Get to know 2018 Jr National Team Offensive Lineman Nolan Cole

Nolan Cole is an offensive lineman from Ottawa, Ontario who will represent Canada at the 2018 IFAF World Junior Championships next month in Mexico City, Mexico.

The lineman’s first introduction to the sport was when he was in grade 5.

“I was asked by two of my classmates to come out and join the local junior football team,” he said.

Among the teams Cole has played for during his career include the Orleans Bengals of the National Capital Amateur Football Association (NCAFA), Cumberland Panthers of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL), Ottawa Sooners of the Ontario Provincial Football League (OPFL).

In the past, the offensive lineman has represented his province as a member of Team Ontario.  Most recently, he helped Team Canada’s under-18 squad win their game against the United States at the 2018 International Bowl in Arlington, Texas.

“It’s not the first time I have been on a big stage,” he added.  “It was awesome to be part of the National Team this time and it was one of my goals before I went to university.”

Cole’s role models are his parents as they have encouraged and supported his gridiron career. On the field, coaches Brock Flemming and Carl Tolmie have been main influences on how he plays the game.

Happy and excited from the moment he learned that he made the roster going to the 2018 IFAF World Junior Championships,

“Just being able to represent my country on the world stage and going in as defending gold medallists from 2014, it’s a huge honour,” Cole expressed.  “I’m ready to go.”

This post is also available in: French