He won Big Ten Conference titles in 1957, 19, and placed third in the NCAA Championships in 1957 and again in 1958 before earning the NCAA crown in 1959. Those two individual titles helped put the Wildkits over the top in pursuit of team championships both years, too.Īt Michigan, Cole placed fourth in 1-meter diving at the NCAA Championships, then switched his focus to gymnastics.

As a junior, his point total was a combination of preliminary and final dives over two days. His work ethic and physical ability translated to even more success for someone who never lost a diving competition in high school as a junior or a senior.Īt ETHS, Cole was undefeated in dual meets as a varsity athlete won Suburban League diving titles both years and earned back-to-back Illinois High School Association state crowns, establishing a state record as a senior with 218.15 points.Ĭole’s two titles came under different scoring criteria used by the IHSA.

One of the most versatile athletes ever to come out of ETHS, Cole didn’t focus on gymnastics until he went to the University of Michigan.

And for two-time state champion Eddie Cole, Class of 1954, those traits also paid off in an NCAA championship - in men’s gymnastics.

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