Knightly News

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.

“Coach Cole has made an impact on the lives of so many people through his love of running, and I am forever grateful that he signed me up for cross country in 6th grade PE,” says former student athlete Aimee Claire Whitehurst ’16. “I had no idea how my life would change or that I would have a mentor and friend for life. Coach Cole is what every coach should strive to be: competitive yet kind, always positive and encouraging to athletes of differing abilities, and a wonderful role model to young people. Even after my graduation, Coach Cole remains a constant presence in my life and still inspires me to be my best, to see the good in every situation, and to always ‘hike my hike.’” 

Episcopal stands with Coach Cole as he conquers this hike. We invite you to leave a message of encouragement for Coach Cole in the comments below. #hikeyourhike