The WVU Tech Athletic Department has announced its Golden Bear Athletes of the Week for April 6–12, 2026. This week’s honors go to freshman Ralph Aaron Etaba Ateba (track & field / esports) and senior Cody Cooper (baseball) following standout performances in collegiate competition.

Ralph Aaron Etaba Ateba (New Market, Md.)
Etaba Ateba turned in a strong multi-sport week for the Golden Bears. At the Concord Open, he placed third in the 110-meter hurdles (15.52) and recorded personal-best times in both the 200 meters (23.36) and 400 meters (51.56). He also ran on WVU Tech’s fourth-place 4x100-meter relay team as the Golden Bears finished fourth overall.

In esports, Etaba Ateba contributed to WVU Tech’s 2-0 playoff win over the University of Idaho in ECAC Division B Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, opening the match with a four-stock performance in Game One to help secure the team’s spot in the semifinals.

Cody Cooper (Belington, W.Va.)
Cooper led the Golden Bears at the plate during a 2-2 week that included a series win over IU Kokomo. The senior infielder batted .500 (8-for-16) with two doubles, four RBIs and a .529 on-base percentage. He recorded multiple hits in three of four games.

Defensively, Cooper posted a .938 fielding percentage across 16 chances, providing steady play in the infield while contributing on both sides of the ball.