Big Red wrestling standout Cooper Smith signed Wednesday to continue his academic and wrestling careers at the Colorado School of Mines. Smith, who has over 100 career victories and was the district champion and state-runner up at 144 pounds last season, is currently ranked No. 1 in his weight class entering his senior season at Big Red. He will study to be an engineer while competing for the Division II Orediggers. “I’m blessed to have a good support system that has supported me,” Smith said. “The academics are through the roof … (CSOM) was a perfect balance of academics and being able to wrestle in college.” Joining Smith, front, center, for the occasion were, front, from left, his aunt Kristie Fabbro, his mother Mary Smith, Ramon Whittington, his father Mike Smith, and Hudson and Hayes Huffman; and back, from left, teammates Julios Mullins and Charlie Abbott, coaches Lucas Huffman and Ian Whittington and teammates Dorian Haddad and Landon Crosier. (Photo by Andrew Grimm)