HORSEHEADS' COLE RECOGNIZED BY CHEMUNG COUNTY EXECUTIVE FOR HIS STATE SWIMMING TITLE (12 PHOTOS) (2023-03-16)

By Brian Fees
Southern Tier Sports Report
HORSEHEADS — It’s been a magical couple of weeks for Horseheads senior Cullin Cole.

First, he won the state and federation swimming titles in the 50 free in 20.51, becoming the school’s first swimming state champion since 1986. Then, an hour later he became an All-American in the event with his 20.44 time as the leadoff of the 200 free relay.

On Thursday the Blue Raiders standout was recognized by Chemung County Executive Christopher J. Moss, who is recognizing Cole and the Elmira bowling team as part of what they are calling Chemung County Gold Medal Athlete Week.

The proclamation commended and congratulated Cole and honored his dedication, commitment, and contributions to sport and physical activity in Chemung County. The proclamation said “we recognize their hard work and passion, and we thank them for being positive role models for young people in our community.”

“It’s very special,” Cole said. “It’s something I never thought would happen. I just put in all the hard work and dedication. It paid off for sure.”

The Horseheads senior was honored at the Horseheads High School pool on Thursday with his family, coach and members of the school, including superintendent Dr. Tom Douglas, in attendance.

“It’s definitely the best place I could see to get it done,” Cole said. “The atmosphere is great, I love it here.”

While it’s been two weeks since his state title, it’s still not something that’s sunk in yet for Cole.

“It honestly hasn’t sunk in yet,” Cole said. “I thought it would, but it hasn’t. It’s still kind of a surprise to me. I didn’t think I was going to be here. Being a state champ was definitely something I didn’t see in my future until it happened, really.”

For Cole all of this is special and something he’s taking in.

“Definitely just cherishing the fact that I’ll always be history here at this pool,” he said. “All the work and dedication I put in just definitely paid off. It’s something I’ll never forget. It will stay with me forever.

“It will always stick with me. It’s something I’ll always have to tell my kids, it’s something I’ll be able to tell everyone forever.”
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Cullin Cole of Horseheads was recognized by Chemung County Executive Christopher J. Moss on Thursday. . . PHOTOS BY BRIAN FEES.