​ROGERSVILLE — Cooper Wagner played hurt throughout the 2026 spring season. He wouldn’t have it any other way. Playing for his teammates was always at the top of his mind. Wagner’s work ethic and tenacity are just a few reasons he’s become one of the area’s top prospects. The Logan-Rogersville standout announced his commitment to Purdue on Monday, Sept. 14. “It’s always been a dream to play college baseball,” Wagner said. “Once I started getting all of these calls on Aug. 1, it was a great day and something that I’ve always worked towards. After I visited, Purdue was the right fit.”High school football: Springfield area Week 4 predictionsWagner is a multi-tool player who can pitch and play outfield. The 6-foot-3 junior also visited Kentucky before landing with Purdue. Wagner was an honorable-mention All-Class 4 selection last season, too.“Everything about it was amazing. The facilities were nice, and the coaches were amazing,” Wagner said. “The Big Ten, it’s a great conference to play baseball in, for sure.”With Wagner’s college decision complete, he can focus on himself and improving his game. He tore his labrum during the first game of the season last spring. It was his non-throwing shoulder, which allowed him to pitch for the rest of the campaign. Wagner did not bat for the rest of the season, including the summer. He’s six weeks post-surgery and is determined to get healthy for next spring. Nixa football: How Adam McKnight utilizes his senses to thrive at quarterbackCommitted!!!! #boilerup🚂🚂 @AdidasAsBSB@NickHerrinsAs@LRCatsBaseball@bserrato37@PitchTOpitch23pic.twitter.com/0SgTgIh7Sd— Cooper Wagner (@CooperWagner_28) September 14, 2026“It didn’t affect me at all pitching-wise,” Wagner said. “I’ve been doing physical therapy and they were super surprised at how well my mobility and strength was in it. It’s been better than I expected for sure.”The Wildcats reached the state quarterfinals before falling to Springfield Catholic. Wagner hopes to bring Rogersville back to a deep state tournament run next spring. His health and improving his labrum are his main priority at the moment. “The end goal is always a state championship,” Wagner laughed. “We are a young squad. Working together, grinding and pushing together is the main goal.”Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.comThis article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Why Logan-Rogersville’s Cooper Wagner committed to Purdue baseball