While making note that his favorite food is wild game resulting from hunting journeys where he finds peaceful time, Cole Hamlin loves the game of baseball even more.

“Baseball is a tough sport. I like it for the challenge it presents,” said the Stigler Panthers senior who splits his innings on the mound or in left field or third base. “My favorite position is pitcher because I like the pressure that comes along with it and the thrill of victory.”

Setting his personal goals to include a .500 batting average and a sub-2.00 earned run average, Cole wants a bigger reward for his team this spring.

“The favorite part about being on this team is having fun with my buddies and chalking up wins. Above all my personal goals, I want our team to play in the state tournament.

In addition to his bat and glove productivity, Cole strives to be a leader on and off the field.

“Leadership is the act of being vocal and responsible,” Cole said noting the impact of the daily hard work ethic examples of his dad. “I try to be vocal on the field keeping my teammates hyped but also set a good example off the field in my actions. Baseball has taught me how to be resilient and how to be a leader.”

Cole adds there’s something more required in order to be that guy others will follow.

“Stay calm and always be positive. No matter the score or situation, I believe staying positive is most important because I know that people do look up to me and if I’m not positive they won’t be positive. Together we can accomplish anything.”

A playmaker on the football field for the Panthers as well, Cole also maintains a 4.0 GPA in the classroom.

“Everyone wants to win the game; nobody more than me. But I want to be remembered as a good athlete, a great kid academically and an extremely great leader.”

Those who know the guy who wears jersey number-22 for the Stigler Panthers will confirm that Cole Hamlin is proof that character counts as much as the score.