BY JON R. LaFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER
SHARYLAND — James Cole was set apart by his wardrobe.
While friends, teammates and coaches wore Sharyland Rattler red in support of Cole at the Sharyland gymnasium on Thursday, Cole was adorned in a bright green polo, the color of the University of North Texas.
Cole signed his letter of intent to attend the university beginning next year and compete as a member of the track and field team.
“I talked with my parents about (the decision to sign with North Texas),” Cole said. “It was just where I felt at home better, where I wanted to spend the next four years.”
Cole received a full four-year scholarship, and will study pre-med biology in hopes of one day becoming an anesthesiologist.
The senior was introduced by athletic director Richard Thompson as “the fastest kid to ever run at Sharyland.” Such a statement isn’t empty hyperbole.
“He’s been one of the fastest kids at the school in the last 15 to 20 years,” Sharyland track coach Marcelino de la Fuente said.
Cole began his time on the track as a member of the relay team, mostly serving a supporting role. In the last two years, however, Cole has been showcased in individual events, notably the 200 meter dash.
“I’ve always been trying to work on my speed,” Cole said. “My coaches have been tremendous in working with me and helping me to get better.”
Cole placed fifth in last year’s UIL State Track Meet in the 200 meter dash with a time of 21.37 seconds.
The soon-to-be North Texas Eagle will look to finish his senior year on the track in quick fashion.
“Hopefully I continue strong,” Cole said. “Hopefully I can go sub-21 (seconds in the 200 meter dash), win state and enter college running good.”
Cole is also a wide receiver for the Sharyland football team, and will play tonight in the team’s area-round game against Calallen in Kingsville.
Sharyland celebrated a second college signing with Annie Hernandez, a senior cross country and track and field athlete. Hernandez will attend the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley next fall.
“I’ve known I wanted to go to UT-RGV for a long time,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez, who has competed at varsity level since her freshman year, qualified for state competition her sophomore year and was named Sharyland cross country MVP a year ago.
Hernandez missed her senior season in cross country, however, due to a broken foot. The injury was a side-effect brought on by so much running.
“I was on crutches for six week,” Hernandez said. “I went on the college visit with my crutches.”
The decision to attend a college so close to home was for reasons more academic than athletic.
“I wanted to go there for their pharmacy program,” Hernandez said.