Rick Cole Jr. searching for the good during COVID-19 pandemic
The world is adapting to a new reality and two years into his job as Hofstra athletic director, Rick Cole Jr. is adapting, too. With the onset of COVID-19, Cole’s responsibilities are completely different.
“Society has changed,” Cole said. “Even though we modify and pivot, there will always be more change. The main goal is to keep everybody safe. We are all learning that you can do your business online. Sometimes you do not change until you are forced to. We are looking for the good in times of struggle.”
Hofstra shut down on Sunday, March 8 and from that day forward, Cole entered the virtual world.
“I am still a work-in-progress with Zoom and technology,” Cole said. “I am adjusting. Everyone is adjusting. We have no choice.”
Cole is preparing to begin sports in the winter. The Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) announced its 2020-21 men's and women's basketball conference schedules Wednesday, Oct. 14. Each team will play 18 games, but travel will be limited to ensure student-athlete safety.
“Scheduling can take years,” Cole said. “We essentially did our entire schedule in a two-to-three week period. The goal is to play the games in a healthy and safe way. We have a shot at accomplishing that.”
Cole and his staff have been meeting with CAA representatives at least three times each week.
“Our plans are contingent on many things,” Cole said. “New York has different rules. There are travel restrictions that other states do not have. We are going to have to navigate through NCAA [National Collegiate Athletic Association], CAA, state, local and institutional guidelines. The [humbling] thing is, once you think you have things right, the curveball comes. And you are not waiting on the curveball.”
However, while athletics will return soon, fans may have to wait.
“[Having fans at games] is a long-term goal,” Cole said. “We cannot get fans back soon enough. We are going to get back and get through this.”
Freshmen may have to wait as well. The NCAA granted schools the ability to extend scholarships to athletes that lost their season due to COVID-19, which could create a logjam in certain programs if seniors return.
“It is going to be very interesting for all student-athletes,” Cole said. “That is another curveball for coaches and each class. While we have the ability to provide an extra year of eligibility, we do not have to.”
Normally, student-athletes are limited to four seasons of competition in a five-year period. Now, schools can use waivers to give an extra year to student-athletes who had competed in a season that was shortened or canceled by COVID-19.
“Coaches are put in a tough spot, making decisions they have never made before,” Cole said. “Do you mortgage your future to help your team now? Is the 22-year-old athlete better mentally, emotionally, physically and socially than the 18-year-old athlete? One would think, but nothing is guaranteed.”
Hofstra athletes recorded a 3.61 spring 2020 semester grade point average under Cole, a school record for a second-straight semester.
Since March, Cole has also connected over 800 Hofstra alumni through digital gatherings.
“We would have never been able to do this without COVID-19,” Cole said. “People, for better or worse, found time to do this. They popped onto Zoom and connected with old friends. That is one of the many positives of this situation.”
Specifically, Super Bowl champion wide receiver and Hofstra alumnus Marques Colston has helped the University support student-athletes. The Marques Colston Fellowship provides formative learning and life experiences to students pursuing a career in the health sciences field.
“[Colston] is an amazing guy,” Cole said. “He just gets it. He is generous, kind, approachable and humble. We have more time now to connect with alumni, which has created unique opportunities.”
Under Cole’s leadership, Hofstra has created many other new programs. On Wednesday, Sept. 30 the Hofstra University Department of Athletics unveiled “No Locker For Racism,” a campaign meant to dismantle racism within collegiate athletics.
“Helping others has been some of the good through the uncertainty,” Cole said. “We are able to work with and for our student-athletes and our staff. We are so proud of the work our athletes and staff have done. The collaboration has been amazing. That is how change happens.”
Additionally, the school launched #Hofstra4All, a group effort between student-athletes, coaches and administration to highlight their commitment to diversity, inclusion and gender equity.
“Our work will never be done,” Cole said. “But we are addressing some important issues our community and society are facing. Helping these causes has been the best time of my day.”
Cole, a University of Buffalo graduate and Oakdale resident, is also making time for his family — wife Brooke and three college-age children — and friends.
“We are thankful for the time we got to spend together,” Cole said. “The beginning of quarantine was difficult for me, but I learned how to be there for my friends, family and staff virtually. Everyone had to learn how to adjust. It was humbling.”
No matter what the future holds, Cole will be ready to learn from it.
“I do believe that there are lessons in everything,” Cole said. “Focus on the things that matter the most. Have a carpe diem mentality and seize every moment that you can. [COVID-19] will prepare us for future challenges. You have to acknowledge the bad, but you cannot spend too much time there. You have to find the good.”
Graphic courtesy of David Lazar/The Hofstra Chronicle
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
