February 2020 ROAR

The Rams freshman basketball team. ~ Contributed Photo
He also gives a nod to his eighth-grade coach Greg Crowe.
“Although it was junior high, I can’t leave him out (as an
influence). He was instrumental to my development as a basketball
player and was who brought out the ‘toughness’ in me
as an athlete.”
After high school, Jeff earned his bachelor’s and master’s
degrees in social work at Grand Valley State University. He
married his wife, Erin, and they still reside in Rockford with
their three children (Alex, 13, Avery, 10, and Harper, 3).
He’s sure his hometown will have the same positive influence
on his children.
“This community has provided me with a great environment
to grow up in. I’ve been blessed to have made lifelong
friendships, received a great education, and of course the opportunities
that I’ve had in athletics. I now get to raise my family
here and witness all the wonderful transitions this community
has gone through.”
In February of 2017 he launched his business, JC’s Mobile
Detailing, LLC.
“In the three years open for business I’ve been blessed to
watch my dream grow quite fast in a short time. It’s been quite
rewarding to connect with the community in many ways and
I take great pride in giving back to my community and supporters.”
Along the way he has continued to be a coach, primarily for
youth basketball, but he also spends time coaching his kids.
He’s competitive, there is no doubt, but there’s more about
coaching for him personally. He took over the reins of the
freshman team this year and has led them to a 9-1 season thus
far.
“From a basketball standpoint, I couldn’t be prouder of
what we’ve accomplished. Expectations are high, make no
mistake about it, but measuring success far exceeds what our
record indicates. I find so much value in conversations with
school staff sharing news of how ‘Johnny’ helped out a new
student with navigating their schedule, or, how ‘Billy’ comes
The Jeff and Erin Cole family. ~ Contributed Photo
to the office every day to help a student with special needs.
Principal Tom Hosford tells me how the guys have expressed
how much fun they’re having this season. To me, these are the
things that fill my heart and not putting too much emphasis
on how many points ‘Joey’ scored the other night, although
that has its place as well. Measuring success goes far beyond
stat books and team records.”
He seems to be enjoying the season as much as his team is,
as he brings his own special brand of coaching to Rockford
athletes.
“I find it fascinating to step back as the teacher and become
the student. Watching these young men problem solve, to balance
the high demands of their school work and the multiple
roles they’re involved in. I believe as adults we often overcomplicate
things and it’s refreshing to observe these young minds
handle all that they do and in the way they do it. You can learn
so much from them if you just simply step back and pay attention.
It’s very powerful.”
Jeff concludes, “I take a great deal of pride with all the opportunities
that come with coaching. Rockford is a special
place, and many would like to be in my shoes - as would many
other kids who would love to be a part of something like this.
I’m very blessed and thankful for this opportunity to be Rockford’s
freshman boys head basketball coach. Rockford has given
me so much and I hope now as a coach I can give back the
many valuable lessons and expertise that our program, players
and community deserve.”
By the looks of things, he’s already off to a great start.
FEBRUARY, 2020 ROCKFORDROAR.COM 31