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Most two-way players on a football field shuffle between offense and defense, but Indian River High School senior George Cole has brought a new dimension to that concept -- shuffling between two sports.
On most days, Cole is the starting goalie for IR's soccer team. But on Friday night, he straps on the pads and becomes the football team's placekicker.
He has excelled at both jobs in 1998, making a number of key saves in goal and consistently putting his extra point attempts through the uprights.
"George is an athletic kid," IR soccer coach Duncan Smith said. "I'm confident when I know he's back there. He's saved us in a lot of games."
The 6-foot-2, 170-pound Cole was originally a fullback on the soccer team but last year volunteered to become the team's goalie. In his second full season at the position, he has posted some impressive save totals for an IR team that has struggled at times.
"I like it, there's tough shots coming at you," Cole said of the goalie position. "I can't let up. If I let a ball get by me, it's a score."
His senior season has been frustrating, however. The Indians stayed in the middle of the pack in the Henlopen South despite some upset victories and came up short in their quest for a fourth straight division title.
"I think we're a better team that our record indicates," he said.
But Cole has tasted success with the football team, which is having its best season in years and is in the running for a state tournament berth.
During summer practice, football coach George Bethard asked Smith if there were any soccer players interested in kicking for the football team.
After watching Cole boom goal kicks more than 50 yards downfield, Smith had a prime candidate.
"I didn't even hesitate, I told him George," Smith said.
Cole was one of three soccer players trying out for the job and was the obvious choice once coaches saw his ability.
"Cole just booted it, so we invited him to come out," Bethard said. "The thing is, he's gotten better and better."
Once a week, Cole heads to the football field after soccer practice to work on field goals and kickoffs. In a recent session, he consistently put the ball through the uprights from more than 50 yards out.
He noted there is little difference between kicking a football and a soccer ball. With a football, the key is making contact with the ball slightly below the center.
While he's been impressive on extra points and kickoffs, Cole has gotten few field goal opportunities. He missed his only attempt against Woodbridge after slipping on a muddy field.
"I haven't had that many chances in a game," he said. "I'd like to try."
But soccer remains Cole's primary sport and he admits he isn't usually one of the football players trying to whip his teammates into a frenzy before a game.
"I don't feel like a football player," he said.
But his services have been valuable to both teams and Cole performs his dual role with few reservations. The only drawback is a small one.
"Sometimes, it cuts into my social time," he said with a laugh.
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