The strength of the group is the strength of the leaders. (Vince Lombardi)

Handsome, respectful, and athletic, Cole Metzger is the top tennis player at Guerin Catholic High School. He’s a junior for the Golden Eagles and to me the undisputed leader of the boys tennis team. He’s not flashy or arrogant. Cole hits the ball hard, and he leads by example.

The son of Todd and Terri Metzger, Cole comes from a tennis loving family of boys. I’ve only known him a short time, but what is defining about him in my eyes is his work ethic. This is a young man who knows all about sweat equity. His positive temperament and natural ability to encourage and coach up the younger guys truly impressed me this season.

Last night, GCHS Boys Tennis Coach, Chris Sciaudone, recognized Cole’s efforts and named him the Golden Eagle Award recipient for boys tennis this season. It was the right choice for a lot of reasons but primarily it was this one. As the top player for GCHS, Cole earned the right by his hard work to play #1 singles this year. When the coach asked him to move to play #1 doubles instead, in an effort to help the team, he was willing. The most powerful tool that leaders have at their disposal is in my opinion their personal example. Cole said yes and he played doubles. End of discussion. I have no idea what conversations he might have had in the privacy of his own home, but when he showed up at the GC tennis courts, he was ready to work no matter where the coaches placed him in the lineup.

I respect this talented kid, and I was impressed all season with his welcoming attitude towards younger teammates like my son, Zach, as well as his example of work ethic, and his terrific leadership. He’s a character-filled kid, and I will be court side cheering him on to victory next year as a senior! CONGRATS, COLE!! That Golden Eagle Award is in the right hands for sure in 2019…a well deserved honor.