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Each morning, head coach Jack Cosgrove walks into the football office, passes the framed photograph of coach Jeff Cole, and says “Hi.”
“That’s why we put him there,” said Cosgrove, one year after Cole lost his three-and-a-half-year courageous battle with cancer.
Oct. 18, 2004 is a date that will be forever ingrained in the heart and soul of the University of Maine. Players, coaches, friends and family lost a mentor, a coach, a friend, a husband and so much more when Cole died of Transitional Cell Carcinoma.
“I think most importantly is that we know who he was and what his legacy is,” said Cosgrove, who still adorns his left wrist with the yellow Livestrong bracelet. “That is why his picture is posted out in the hallway here, because of what he stood for and how he was such an important part of this program. We don’t want his legacy to leave us.”
Cole, who entered his sixth season last fall as the coach of the running backs and special teams unit, was more than someone who shouted plays and instructed young men on the field., Cosgrove explained how Cole took on the role of father for players who were away from home.
“He coached our student athletes in the classroom,” said Cosgrove last October. “He coached them on how to live their lives and wanted them to model the things they had learned from their families.
“He loved the idea of being a coach, a teacher, a leader of young men and he worked hard at it,” said Cosgrove.
One year later, players and coaches still embrace some of Cole’s last words.
“The last thing he ever said to me was: ‘You’re blessed with so much, don’t stand on the sidelines, use your gifts to help others,” former star running back and 2004 graduate, Marcus Williams recalls of his coach. “I definitely still miss Coach Cole very much and try to practice all the things he taught me.”
At the start of the 2004 season, Cole came up with the slogan “One Direction,” for the special teams unit, which signified teamwork and everyone working as one, unified force. When Cole left for treatment in Mexico at the beginning of last season, the team wore an arrow decal on their helmets, representing “One Direction.”
This season, that same decal is worn. In fact, you can’t walk through the football office without seeing that arrow: it’s everywhere. In a collage of Cosgrove’s family that decorates the wall beside his desk, the “One Direction” decal sticks right in the middle. A lamp on Cosgrove’s desk has a base that replicates a Maine football helmet also models the sticker.
“His one direction, his ‘make sure you give more than you get…’ all of the things that were him have become ingrained in this program,” said Cosgrove.
Before he passed away, Cole addressed a room of immediate family and coaches and said:
“Make sure you are ready to give more than you get,” as he held up his left arm, revealing his yellow bracelet that was embossed with “Livestrong.”
Although Coach Cole isn’t physically with the Black Bears, they remember the things he stood for and try to model those things in their lives.
“I don’t think there’s any day that goes by that he’s not with us,” said Cosgrove.
Remembering Jeff Cole
Members of the UMaine football community share thoughts on their friend, colleague, and coach
“The thing I think about most is his zest for life…his love for football and passion for the young men he coaches. He gave so much in that regard and did it when he was physically challenged.” – Head coach Jack Cosgrove.
“I miss him. He’s still with us, but personally, I could use him here in person.” – Junior wide receiver Arel Gordon
“For myself and the seniors, we always know Coach Cole is looking down on us, making sure we are demanding more from ourselves. We’re always trying to honor his memory in everything we do.” – Senior center Ben Lazarski
“He put a lot of pressure on me to always do the right things…almost like a father figure. I respected Coach Cole very much because I knew he genuinely cared.” – 2004 graduate Marcus Williams
“We realize he’s not around, but we still feel his power and spirit on and off the field, even more this week.” – Senior running back Montell Owens
