Cole Eidson was recently inducted into the East Central University’s Hall of Fame.
Eidson has coached a plethora of kids on perseverance and vigor over the past eight years as the Madill Track and Field/Cross Country coach.Grandaccoladesfor this coach have been steadily coming in over the years.
HewasnamedGirlsCoach of the Year by the Oklahoma Track Coaches Association in 2020 and Oklahoma Coaches Association Cross-Country Coach of the Year for Region Six in 2019.
On Friday, February 9, he was inducted into ECU Hall of Fame along with his 2011 cross country teammates. He said it was a great honor to be inducted.
“BeinginductedintoECU's Hall of Fame is a big honor, especially to be inducted with my teammates,” Eidson said. “We strived for a common goal and bought into making each other better every day to reach a common goal.”
The team consisted of Head Coach Steve Sawyer, Assistant Coach Josh Stewart, Assistant Coach John Sutrick, Will Baldwin, Austin Christian, Joel Dutton, Cale Eidson, Mitchell Haun, Hunter Henrie, Brandon Hess, Daniel Kiptoo, Ezekeil Kissorio, Chase McMichael, Armando Saldivar, Jimmy Sutrick, Taylor Nasu, and Carl Williams.
The team won the first Great American Conference Championship in GAC history. They claimed the 2011 NCAA D2 South Central Region runner-up title and advanced to the 2011 NCAA D2 National Championships where they placed 11th as a team.
Eidson recapped his history in sports, and said he’s been running as long as he can remember.
“I’ve been running since I was in high school at Calera High School where I played basketball and baseball as well as running cross country and track,” he said. “I still continue to try and run even now.”
He attributes his competitive streak for fueling his passion for the sport.
“My passion for running and coaching comes from being competitive and wanting to be the best. The opportunity to push myself and reach my goals continues to motivate me.”
He said Sawyer was a big influence in his life.
“At ECU, under my coach Steve Sawyer, I learned so much about not only running, but what it meant to trulyworkhardandnotmake excuses as an athlete and as a coach,” Eidson said. “I try to implement that mindset and work ethic here at Madill as well.”
He said he has multiple people who have helped him along the way.
“IwanttothanktheMadill community and the athletes I coach and have coached for allowing me to be a part of something bigger than myself,” he said. “I would like to thank ECU formy time spent there and for our recognition. Most of all my coach, Steve Sawyerandmyfamily,thank you for helping me be who I am today, and I always hope to make them proud.”
Eidson continues to pass down enthusiasm and wisdom to this generation of Madill kidsduringthisupcoming track and field season.