Iola High School senior cross-country runner Cole Moyer wears a lot of different hats. While this is true for many student-athletes, Cole performs one task that is not often seen among high school students – recruiter, “I think what I’m most proud of is our team numbers. Our numbers were hit hard by Covid. I tried really hard to ‘recruit’ new people to build our program.”
Moyer realizes that convincing others to participate is only half the battle, but he appears to be secure in the role that he must take beyond that, “I’m looking forward to seeing my team grow. Much of that will be shaped by and depend on my efforts as a leader. I see my role not only as someone to look up to as a good runner, but most importantly as a friend.”
Moyer is also looking for a bit of redemption this year, “Last year, after qualifying as a sophomore, I failed to qualify for state. The hardest thing was not being able to represent our team and give them a state experience.”
Moyer and his teammates put in a lot of time into hopefully rectifying that situation for his final go-around, “A goal I have this season, besides improving my P.R, is to try and shape our team into the most successful team it can possibly be. I am very excited about how our team looks so far. Many of our guys put in tons of work in the off-season, and it shows.”
Moyer finished fourth last season in the Pioneer League. He would love to improve to at least a top three finish, and he would like nothing more than to get back to state and take a few of his friends along for the ride.
Besides being a student-athlete, a leader, and a friend, Cole wears several other hats for the Mustangs’ student body. He is the IHS Student Council President, as well as the President of the Players and Thespians Club. He is involved in FCA, and he is the founder of Iola’s Student Section club. He runs track in the spring. In Forensics he is a three-time medal winner, and last year, Moyer took home the 3A State Title in the Duet event.
After graduation, Moyer plans to attend college to study Film and Media. He is still deliberating which school he would like to attend.
