Mike Cochran's contribution to the Youngstown State athletic program is seen on the football field, basketball courts and other athletic venues around the university today. He has spent almost half of his life contributing to the school's athletic department.
A standout football player from 1987 to 1989, Cochran is in his fifth season as the director of YSU's strength and conditioning program for all 18 intercollegiate sports.
In his playing days, he was a standout linebacker and fullback for four seasons under Head Coach Jim Tressel.
As a senior team captain in 1989, he had a team-leading 133 tackles as he helped lead Youngstown State to the I-AA playoffs and a 9-4 record. In the two playoff games his senior year, he had 19 tackles and intercepted two passes against Furman in the final game of the season.
His senior season, he was selected as one of four Youngstown State football captains.
In 1987 and 1988, Cochran used his talents on both sides of the football. Besides playing linebacker he was used as a fullback. He finished the 1988 season with 36 tackles and two interceptions, both in the same game. He had six rushing attempts for 16 yards and caught four passes.
In 1987, he finished the year with 45 tackles. For his three seasons on the field, Cochran finished with 214 career stops.
The Girard, Ohio, native played on the Penguins' first I-AA playoff qualifier in 1987 as the team was co-Ohio Valley Champions. YSU qualified for the playoffs in two of his four seasons.
Following his playing career he earned a Bachelors of Arts in Exercise Science. He spent two years on the football staff as a student assistant and two more years as a graduate assistant.
Cochran heads up the strength program and is still involved greatly with the football program. He plays an important role on the sidelines during games and spends time helping with recruiting.
While being involved as part of the support staff for the Penguins, he has been a part of all four national championship teams at Youngstown State.
At Girard High School, Cochran was an all-conference selection in football, basketball, baseball and track and field. He earned all-state honors in football in 1984 and 1985. He is a member of the Girard High School Hall of Fame.
Mike and his wife, the former Traci Lewis, reside in Girard. They have a two-year-old daughter, Mikayla.
