A Standout Career Takes a New Turn
At 6‑foot‑2 and 210 pounds, Cole West towers over many of his high school opponents, a physical presence that has defined his career at North Pocono. The senior’s impact goes beyond size; he earned last fall’s Times‑Tribune Defensive Player of the Year honor after a season that saw him lead the team to both the District 2 Class 4A and Lackawanna Football Conference Division I titles.
West’s statistical footprint is equally impressive. As a junior he recorded 88 tackles, nine interceptions and 12 passes defended, while on offense he rushed for 631 yards and nine touchdowns and caught 27 passes for 496 yards and four scores. His name already appears at the top of the program’s record books, ranking first all‑time with 1,479 career receiving yards and second in receptions with 85, trailing only Nick Bell’s 92.
Choosing Cornell
The recruitment process was a whirlwind, with offers from Army, Navy, Air Force, the University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Georgetown, New Haven, Bryant, Maine and Sacred Heart. In the end, West narrowed his choices to Cornell, citing the university’s rigorous academics and the promise of a football program poised for growth under head coach Dan Swanstrom, now in his fourth season.
Beyond the field, West is a high‑honor roll student and a member of the National Honor Society, planning to major in business or sports management. His decision reflects a broader ambition to blend athletic performance with scholarly achievement, a trajectory that aligns with Cornell’s interdisciplinary ethos.
The excitement extends to the broader community, as North Pocono prepares to open its season on August 28 against Berwick, while Cornell looks to improve on a 4‑6 overall record from the previous year. With West joining the roster, both the university and the athlete hope to write a new chapter of success on and off the field.