Marmaton Valley junior track and field athlete Cooper Scharff’s work in the offseason might just be the biggest reason why voters selected him as one of March’s Allen County Area Athletes of the Month.
“I’ve been putting a lot of work in during the offseason and hoping it would transform into a big season this year,” Scharff said. It certainly has.
Scharff made a strong first impression at the March 31 Uniontown Invitational with a first-place finish in the 100-meter dash (11.71), third in the long jump (18’ 9.25”) and fifth in the javelin (129’ 4”). Over the course of the next four weeks, he proved he was just getting started.
After medaling in events at Osage City, Pleasanton, Mound City and multiple meets in Iola, Scharff has developed a reputation for being one of the area’s most well-rounded athletes and a regular atop the medal podium.
“It feels good having the community behind my back and motivating me to improve my times and distances to be a better athlete,” Scharff said.
Scharff recently turned his attention to field events at the Marv Smith Invitational in Iola. Despite facing competition from larger programs, Scharff added 13 feet from his initial 2026 foray in javelin, taking first place with a 142’ 5” throw. Scharff also took third in the long jump.
“Hitting the weight room a lot really got my throwing, running and jumping going,” Scharff said. “My throwing has been really good lately.”
Scharff is hitting his stride at the right time.
“In the next coming weeks, I have to focus on my mindset and how I approach the next few meets so I can make it to state,” Scharff said. “I’ve been there twice. Last year, I made it back while recovering from a knee injury. I have small injuries, but I can make it.”
Despite the end of the regular season being a few weeks away, area fans have plenty of opportunities to catch Scharff before he attempts to punch his ticket to state at the Class 1A Waverly Regional Thursday, May 21 at Riverside Park in Iola.
“I’m getting better, and my confidence is soaring, but I have to stay humble throughout it all and keep supporting my team,” Scharff said.
