Cooper Hoopes

Highland junior Cooper Hoopes competes in the 6A boys 200-yard freestyle during the Idaho High School State Swimming Championships on November 07, 2025 at the Idaho Central Aquatic Center in Boise. Photo by Pat Sutphin | gameframephoto.com

The Idaho State Journal is issuing a correction to its boys swimming finalists for the Sports Stars Awards.

After further review, Highland junior Cooper Hoopes has been named a finalist in place of Pocatello senior Kaiden Irwin.

But Irwin will still be honored with the Inspirational Athlete of the Year award for his remarkable comeback from heart surgery over the summer to compete at state.

The ceremony is set for May 5 at 6 p.m. at the Stephens Performing Arts Center on the campus of Idaho State University, where winners will be revealed.

Cooper Hoopes, Highland

The junior became the first Highland boys swimmer to earn multiple individual state medals since 2020, taking bronze in both the 200 freestyle (1:47.07) and 100 butterfly (53.42). Hoopes added two more medals as part of the 200 freestyle relay that placed fourth (1:31.30) and the 400 freestyle relay that finished sixth (3:26.99), giving him four total at the state meet. The multi-event standout also swept three district championships, showcasing his versatility across multiple disciplines throughout the season.

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