PROUDLY PRESENTS
Where Are They Now?
JEFF COLE
CLASS OF 2002
JEANNIE GREGORY
ROAR Editor
There are plenty of lessons that RHS boys freshman basketball
coach Jeff Cole likes to teach his players. Those lessons are
not all about the sport of basketball; plenty are about what life
hands you and how to handle those challenges, as well as how
that impacts the person one becomes.
“For me personally, coaching has been much more about
the opportunity to develop impactful relationships with my
student-athletes,” Jeff shares. “I enjoy competing at a high
level as much as anyone, but it’s been far more rewarding to
help mentor my players to be the best version of themselves,
emphasizing the importance of developing a high standard of
character, to be an active role model in their community and
to help achieve their dreams and aspirations. A life coach, if
you will.”
Jeff had to handle his own life lessons at a young age. He
grew up as a Ram, living in Rockford since he was 4. He set his
sights on being a three-sport athlete, playing football and basketball
through the fall and winter his freshman year while
eyeing the baseball team for the spring. Those plans had to be
shelved, however, when he started experiencing some issues.
“Unfortunately, during football season I received some very
tough news,” he shares. “I was experiencing lower back pain
at the time which eventually resulted in seeing a neurologist.
An initial MRI revealed that I had an acute disc herniation and
also discovered I was dealing with sciatica of the lower back.
At the age of 15 I was told that my prognosis was quite rare and
in all likelihood my dreams of competing as a three-sport athlete
were extremely unlikely. I remember feeling completely
devastated. I was informed by the medical specialists that I’d
be fortunate to have the opportunity to compete in even one
sport.”
He kept with basketball and played under the guidance of
coaches Steve Majerle and Ryan DeKuiper. He was a shooting
guard for the Rams, wearing No. 42, inspired by his admiration
of the likes of Jackie Robinson and Jerry Stackhouse. His
Rams freshman basketball head coach Jeff Cole talks to one of
his players. ~ Contributed Photo
junior year found the Rams crowned as district champions. In
his senior year, which he fondly recalls as a magical season, his
team earned an OK Red title and posted a perfect 20-0 record
during the regular season. That feat was a first in the basketball
program’s history.
“Basketball has been a huge part of my life since I was quite
young,” he shares. “Having lived in Rockford most of my life
I had the opportunity to play this great game as a young boy
in our Community Education program on through my junior
and senior years of high school. I’ve been extremely blessed
to have played for many phenomenal coaches and teammates
that certainly had a major impact on my development as a student-athlete.
Playing under the leadership of head coach Steve
Majerle and assistant coach Ryan DeKuiper was special to say
the least. I firmly believe both coaches developed the high
standard of success and winning culture that our basketball
program strives for to this day.”
30 ROAR MAGAZINE FEBRUARY, 2020
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