University of Minnesota Athletics
Dr. Louis Cooke - M Club Hall of Fame
Dr. Louis Cooke
Men’s Basketball Coach, 1897-1924
Men’s Gymnastics Coach, 1903-07
HOF Class of 1991
In 1897, the University of Minnesota hired Louis "Doc" Cooke to be Director of the Department of Physical Culture for Men, and Director of the Department of Physical Education for Men. With an M.D. degree from the University of Vermont, he had been serving as the physical director for the Minneapolis YMCA.
Cooke became coach of the University's first men's intercollegiate basketball team his first year here, and held the post for 28 years. His 1901-02 and 1918-19 Gopher teams were undefeated and named National Champions.
In 1906, Minnesota claimed the first Big Ten Conference basketball title with a 6-1 league record, 13-2 overall. Cooke guided Minnesota to four more conference titles, and closed his career with a 250-135-2 (.642) career record.
“Doc” also coached the Men’s Gymnastics, Women's Basketball and Tennis teams, and is considered the initiator of the student health service at the University. The main athletics building on campus is named Cooke Hall in his honor.