Cole was an amazing human being. It's important to start with that, difficult as it is to start writing condolences about a dear friend gone so soon. We became friends in seventh grade at Springfield Middle, having the same homeroom class for the first time. Our shared passion for the game of football probably brought us together. I have some recollections of us drawing football plays when we could have been taking notes. Cole certainly would have been the defensive coordinator. Since he had played for the Abington travel team since a youngster, I knew he was good. Once we got to share the field together, down the road in high school, I understood why he was great. He was starting on varsity as a sophomore, was a defensive captain (? certainly in my memory) as a junior, and was the play caller in the defensive huddle our senior year. He was incredibly focused, determined, and poised on the field, and certainly in the classroom as well, especially science classes. Everytime I stepped on the field with Cole it felt like a honor. As a defensive end, all I needed to do was force the ball carrier back inside, because I knew that Cole would be anxiously awaiting him with a big hit. He was by far the best tackler and defensive playmaker I ever played with. His instincts were uncanny, and his play lifted up all his teammates around him. If Cole said we were getting a critical third down stop, that was it, there was no other option. That sort of grounded confidence is essential for success. Cole didn't need to use too many words in the huddle to get his point across. Just that look in his eyes of infinite determination, passing to meet the gaze of each of us, made the message clear. He was a tremendous athlete. The only one of us on defense who clearly could play football in college if they wanted to. He had every right to be as cocky and self centered as he wanted, as is the stereotype for highschool football stars. But here is where Cole's unique personality shines through. He was also the nicest teammate I ever had. He never was caught up in the ugly taunting and teezing that plagues high school sports. He wanted to win and for us to win as a team. He was encouraging and instructive. Perhaps most telling to me of Cole's gentle brilliance is that a lot of times after he delivered a monster tackle, he would help the poor opponent up off the turf. It was such a class move and the sign of great sportsmanship and respect . That was something I never would have done had Cole not done it (also because I didn't hit nearly as hard as he did). I cherish my memories of the hundreds of hours spent playing football alongside Cole. I didn't play lacrosse with Cole, but I remember how excited the lacrosse team was when he started to play in the last couple years of high school. He learned the game so quickly and was an immediate impact. It's awesome he was a lacrosse captain in college. Any teammate that Cole ever had in his life is much better of character for it.
Like I said, Cole had this same intensity in the classroom when he found a subject he liked. Fast forward to junior year honors chemistry, and Cole was often saving me from laboratory mishaps and helping me understand a subject matter that has always escaped my comprehension. He explained complex things piece by piece, with no hurry or judgement. Cole also loved to be outdoors, he cared about the land. Many hikes in the Wissahickon with him and other friends. We had senior thesis class in highschool, and he presented about electric cars and screened the movie "who killed the electric car?", which was a transformative moment, as we were starting to recognize the unnecessary malice that are fossil fuels and how they bring out the worst in human greed. Cole's career path is commendable and one of honor.
I really could keep writing about Cole all night. I've now remembered many fun days spent on the ski slopes of Pennsylvania, including what must have been one of his first times on skis. A couple of shaky runs for him, but no big spills, and a hour in, he was comfortable and up to speed. Seriously, Cole was such a quick learner. He could teach and be taught, he always had great control of his ego. Off the football field, smiling and laughing is how I remember him. He was ready for adventure and loved to stay in motion. It's no surprise that he relocated nearby some of the tallest mountains in North America. His spirit was that big, his dreams as well.
It is very surreal to be writing all of this here and now. A tragic shock that I don't think I'll ever get over completely. Cole was just that impressive. Physical distance came between us over the years, but whenever we would chat, it seemed like a day hadn't passed since we had last seen each other, and that we would see each other again tomorrow. Friendships like that are irreplaceable and wonderful. It was a privilege to have spent so much time with Cole. My sincerest condolences to everyone who knew him, especially his family. I know he cared deeply about his loved ones and made sure that they knew it. Cole surely has found eternal peace. We miss him dearly.
--'Stu'
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