Cole headed to St. Andrews

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 5, 2013 1:52 AM

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A chance to help build a swimming program.

A chance to learn from one of the best coaches in the sport.

Logan Cole will experience the best of both worlds next winter at St. Andrews University. The Wayne School of Engineering senior signed a national letter-of-intent to compete for the Knights, who are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

"St. Andrews is going through a transition, starting a new team with a seasoned coach who has got a great reputation," said Tammy Yates, who has coached Cole for the past 31/2 years on the Goldsboro High and Goldsboro Sharks swim teams.

"I think the school is dedicated to building a solid program and this is a great opportunity for Logan to get into the ground floor of something. I know he'll make a big contribution to the team."

Cole certainly enjoyed his final season in the pool for the Cougars. A lanky and confident competitor, he dominated the sprint events during regular-season meets at the Goldsboro Family Y. He finished runner-up in the 100 fly at the N.C. High School Athletic Association Classes 1-A/2-A eastern regional, and took third in same event during the state championship meet.

Yates has taken Cole to the past three YMCA national short-course championship events, and the latest trip is one Cole won't soon forget. He talked with Olympian Matt McCullen and spoke extensively with St. Andrews head coach Brooks Teal.

Teal, a Holly Springs native, left Clemson to guide the Knights' program. Prior to arriving at Clemson, he coached a pair of NCAA champions in 11 seasons at N.C. State. During his 18-year tenure, Teal has produced six Olympic Trial qualifiers.

"The chance to swim for an Olympic coach ... really cool," said Cole, who received attention from Florida Tech and Lake Forest (Ill.). "Since we're the beginning (team), we're starting something they don't have and we're going to be the stepping stones. Definitely, there is going to be pressure on us being the new team (on campus) and underdogs (at meets)."

Yates feels that Cole has yet to tap into his full potential. Under Teal's guidance, she thinks his technique will improve and he'll learn more advanced strategies in the pool.

She expects Cole to contribute in the sprint freestyles and butterfly. And adds that his heart and determination to succeed are his biggest assets he will carry to St. Andrews, which competes in the Appalachian Athletic Conference.

Cole, meanwhile, has to adjust to a structured environment. The team will work out twice a day with a weight training session each afternoon. He respects that Teal is going to push the athletes to achieve their best in and out of the pool.

"It's going to be hard work, he's going to break us down," a grinning Cole said. "I've learned that no matter what, there is always going to be somebody faster and you're going to be faster than someone else. You always want to be near the top of the list."