When it came time for Cascade’s Cole West to make his college pick, persistence paid off as he signed his letter of intent to continue his football career with Oklahoma Baptist.
West never initially expected to sign a letter of intent, but after several showcases and camps with Oklahoma Baptist, all the factors lined up and he made it official.
“It was really unexpected, to be honest. At first, I didn’t really think about signing a letter of intent and here I am signing today,” West said.
The path that eventually led West to Oklahoma Baptist began back during his sophomore year.
“They invited me to a camp my sophomore year. I met their head coach at that camp and then a few years later, I met their recruiting coordinator, who is also their linebackers coach. This past couple of months, we reached out to him about walking on and they said they were going to give me a scholarship,” he said.
West had a handful of other schools in the mix as well, but only offered walk-on opportunities.
When the chance came to sign a scholarship, the Cascade senior jumped at the opportunity.
For the time being, Oklahoma Baptist has West listed as a lineman, but he hopes to pursue other positions on the roster once he gets in the program.
“They have me as a lineman. I’m hoping to be able to work my way up to either running back or linebacker,” he said.
While still months away from kicking off in his freshman season, West will be following the workout regiment Oklahoma Baptist follows via an app, before reporting to campus later this summer.
West plans to pursue a degree in athletic coaching, with a minor in education.
Oklahoma Baptist is located in Shawnee, Okla. and competes in the NCAA Division II Great American Conference.