SSN Athlete Feature: Cole Earlewine

Adam Hipsky

A goal set in his mind early on, sophomore Cole Earlewine has had this moment in his head since he picked up a football for the first time in the second grade. Stepping onto the gridiron on Friday nights was a mission for Earlewine early in life. As a member fo the football team, he and the Royals took on Lawrence Central in the season opener.

On the opening drive, Earlewine read the eyes of the Lawrence Central quarterback, jumped the pass and picked it off. Everything Earlewine had worked for since the second grade paid off in that moment.

“I was really nervous on that first drive,” Earlewine said. “Getting that pick made me feel like I really belong here and it was a great way to get those nerves out. Not many people can say they had a pick on their first drive of high school football, that is something I will always be proud.”

Earlewine, a duel-sport athlete, also plays baseball in the Spring and Summer.

“I think what makes football so different from baseball is the team aspect,” Earlewine said. “The football locker room is so different compared to any other sports and I think that bond between you and your teammates is unlike any other.”

Earlewine is only crossing into his sophomore year and he and the rest of the class of 2023 look to make their mark at Hamilton Southeastern.

“I think the biggest thing is just we are a hardworking group,” Earlewine said. “A lot of us have pushed each other to get us to where we are today. The future is bright in the Hamilton Southeastern football program. Obviously, we have a lot of goals and becoming a state champion is on the top of that list.”