Once a Knight, always a Knight. This is certainly the case for beloved cross country and track coach Eddie Cole. Coach Cole retired from coaching in 2017 after an award-winning career. During his tenure at Episcopal, Coach Cole led the girls’ team to numerous victories and state title runs. He is known across the Episcopal campus for his impromptu harmonica performances and his willingness to help others. Teachers depended on him to help with everything from assistance with project-based learning and hiking tips to driving the team bus to cross country competitions. Since retirement, Coach Cole has remained in touch with his former colleagues and cheered the Knights on from afar. Now, as he battles leukemia, members of the Episcopal community are stepping up to support the coach that has meant so much to so many. “He is fighting this with such a great attitude,” says Coach Dupe. “I only hope I could be as strong mentally and physically if I ever get in this situation. He is setting such a great model for all of us.” “Coach Cole is stronger than he’ll ever know,” says Athletic Director Randy Richard. “He’s been on this hike before. I hope he’ll take in a little bit more and stay the course until the finish line.” There is an effort underway by one of Coach Cole’s former E.D. White students to support him on this journey. The former student has teamed up with the owner of www.threestitches.net to post the following call to action on social media: As most of you know Coach Eddie Cole has been diagnosed with Leukemia. He is receiving Chemo treatments and will be undergoing a bone marrow transplant afterwards. The lives he has touched throughout the years is undeniable. Let's cheer him on as he conquers his hike! What better way to do that than with our new normal, a mask! Please visit https://threestitches.net/hikeyourhike/shop/home to get yourself a mask! All benefits will be sent directly to Coach Cole. Take a picture wearing your mask and don't forget to use #hikeyourhike to show your support! Coach Cole is an avid hiker, making this effort a fitting tribute to the man loved by so many. “Every student he taught or coached remembers the type of man he is,” says Richard. “He always had time for his students.” Now, Coach Cole’s students are showing that they have time for him.
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23 Comments
Suzette Howe
8/21/2020 12:38:41 pm
Sweet Coach Eddie!! Please know that the entire Howe family sends love and prayers plus virtual hugs galore!! We love you-stay stonge!!!
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Eddie Cole
8/22/2020 06:01:40 am
Thanks Suzette! Despite my health challenges, my heart is full! Tell Ralph I’m going to use my “down time,” for some badly needed guitar practice!!❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻
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JoEllen Prutz
8/21/2020 01:03:36 pm
Coach Cole,
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Eddie Cole
8/22/2020 06:02:03 am
Thanks Jo Ellen! My love to you and your crew during these challenging times!! ❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻
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Sandra Jacksn
8/21/2020 01:31:20 pm
Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. Virtual hugs to you!
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Eddie Cole
8/22/2020 05:59:14 am
Thanks Sandra! Greatly appreciated in these challenging times! Give Kris my best!! ❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻
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Eddie Cole
8/22/2020 06:01:18 am
Thanks Sandra! Greatly appreciated in these challenging times! Please give Kris my best! ❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻
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Carolina Ruiz
8/22/2020 12:05:06 am
Coach,
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Eddie Cole
8/22/2020 06:04:46 am
Thanks Carolina! I can’t tell you how overwhelmed I’ve been by the outpouring of support and encouragement! I pray that you and the girls are well in these challenging times!!❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻
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Tom DiNapoli
8/22/2020 06:35:10 am
Dear Coach Cole,
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Eddie Cole
8/22/2020 01:51:09 pm
Thanks Tom! The outpouring of support has been amazing! I can’t thank every one enough! I’m hoping to use my endurance background on this journey! Tell Ben that my oncologist (a Georgia fan) told me he would “allow” me to wear LSU stuff but NO New Orleans Saints!!
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Tom DiNapoli
8/22/2020 02:25:30 pm
Coach Cole,
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VJohnson
8/22/2020 05:36:08 pm
Coach Cole,
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Eddie Cole
8/24/2020 07:09:15 am
Thanks VJ! Love you to the mountains and back! ❤️❤️❤️
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8/23/2020 01:47:31 pm
Eddie, we didn’t meet in school but we made fast friends in our mutually favorite sport on the top of Blood Mountain. It is no surprise to me that your service in coaching led to this outpouring of affection and support. I only knew you a short while before it became obvious how important your students and players are to you. Hike your hike, Eddie!! See you down the trail, my friend.
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Eddie Cole
8/24/2020 07:14:26 am
Thanks Matt! Meeting you on Blood Mountain was one of the best things to happen to me that first summer! I’ve admired your adventures and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you and your beautiful family!! Cheryl and I appreciate your friendship! I’m working hard to see if maybe there aren’t a few more hikes in this “aging” body! Ha! All the best!!!
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Terri Toups
8/24/2020 11:54:40 am
Coach Cole,
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Becky Malik
8/27/2020 06:07:58 am
Love and prayers for you, Coach Cole, for complete healing! Miss you and your sweet demeanor around school. GKGPHFSC!
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Mary-Kathryn Vey
8/27/2020 02:26:41 pm
Coach Cole,
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Randy Breaux
8/27/2020 03:12:27 pm
Prayers to you Coach . I know that you are one of the finest that our profession has to offer. You are an inspiration to your athletes and the coaches who you come into contact.Win this race!!
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Julie Owen
8/27/2020 04:42:34 pm
Dear Coach Cole,
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Dana Heuvel
8/27/2020 06:02:21 pm
Eddie - Praying for you daily for a speedy recovery - you’re due for a visit to Episcopal! May God lay his healing hands on you. Miss you, Dana
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Heidi Hebert
8/28/2020 05:29:01 pm
You have a lot more hikes ahead of you Eddie! You are such an inspiration to us all. Stay strong, we love you and we are praying for you!
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