Clarion Athletics

Wrestling 1989 Clarion University Grad - Computer Science/Business

Mike Cole, a 142-pound wrestler, brought Tippin Gym fans to their feet every time he took the mat for the Golden Eagles using the patented “Cole Roll”. A four-year starter from 1985-89, Cole is second on the all-time Clarion win list with a record of 150-31-2. Only Wade Schalles (153 wins) had more wins at Clarion. In 1986 he posted an individual record of 33-6, was a PSAC and EWL champion and helped Clarion to a 17-0-1 dual meet record and a final season ranking of #3 in Division I behind only Iowa and Iowa State. In 1987 Cole was 39-9-1, PSAC champion and earned All-America honors by placing third at the NCAA’s. Clarion also finished 6th in team scoring at the NCAA’s. After needing a medical red-shirt in 1988, Cole was 48-4 in 1989 and ranked #1 all season. An NWCA All-Star selection, he won his match against Pat Santoro. Also PSAC champion, Cole suffered a rib injury prior to EWL’s and defaulted for second place prior to nationals. Despite the injury Cole was third at nationals and recorded a pin in his final match. He is tied for second at Clarion in career pins with 67, ranks third in dual meet team points with 268 and fifth in dual meet pins with 25. His 48 wins in 1989 is the single season record, while his 29 pins in 1989 is tied for second in a single season. Wrestling under Clarion Hall of Fame coach Bob Bubb, Cole was a 2-year captain (1987, 89) and helped the Eagles to a 4-year dual record of 53-21-1 and a PSAC title in 1986. A native of Brackney, Pa. and a 1985 graduate of Montrose High, Mike is currently Director, Enterprise Data Standards Initiative for Merrill Lynch in New York. Mike and wife Stephanie have two daughters Danielle and Taylor, and a son William and reside in Asbury, New Jersey.