Name: Cole Walton
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Bellevue, Washington
Major: Business
What organizations/clubs/sports teams are you involved in on campus?
I am a redshirt freshman on the basketball team here, which makes me a sophomore in class but a freshman on the court. This year I was chosen to be in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) which serves as a liaison between the athletes and the administration/NCAA to help make the athletic experience here at Sacred Heart as enjoyable as possible. I am also a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity here on campus.
Give us an idea of what is currently on your plate this fall
Other than keeping up with schoolwork, I have been preparing to play my first season of basketball. The team has been working very hard to meet our goals for this season. It’s exciting to hear the buzz about the upcoming season around campus. We’re looking forward to playing and showing everybody how hard we’ve been practicing. Also, on October 26th Kappa Sigma is having our annual powder puff football tournament. The proceeds will go towards our national philanthropy, military heroes. It has been a great event in the past and we hope it will be better than ever this year. Don’t forget to sign up your team!
What has been your most memorable/rewarding moment at SHU thus far?
There have been a lot of very memorable and rewarding moments at SHU thus far, but my most rewarding experience at SHU has been the time I’ve spent volunteering at the Bridgeport Boys & Girls Club. Once a week, a few guys and a coach from the basketball team go to the club and help the kids with homework for a little while. Afterwards, we play basketball, ping-pong, or anything else the kids have in mind that day. It is an unexplainable feeling to walk in and see their faces light up. Helping out the community whether through the team, Kappa Sigma, or SAAC has given me greater appreciation for everything we are blessed with at SHU.
How do you manage your time so well being a part of so many organizations along with your social life and your course load?
A big part of it is keeping positive people around me. I believe that when those around you want to see you succeed and you want to help those around you to succeed as well it creates a very productive environment. I enjoy all that I do which also makes it easier because I don’t see my commitments as chores. Obviously I would be fine with a little less homework but I can’t do anything about that…
Do you have any advice for those who are on the fence about making a commitment to a fraternity or sports team?
I say go for it as long as you have a passion for that sport or fraternity. It can’t hurt to try something new. Having the opportunity to play basketball and be a part of Kappa Sigma Fraternity is great. In the short time I have been involved with both I have created many memories that will last a lifetime. I can’t imagine my life without them.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I like to find and listen to all types of music on YouTube, which after a while of clicking through related videos usually ends up with me watching sports highlight tapes or funny cat/baby videos. I also spend a good amount of time reading through twitter. Follow me @CWalton_24. If it’s quiet in our suite I like to relax with a book in my beanbag chair with the Christmas lights on underneath my bed.
Where do you hope to be [in your life] about five years from now?
In five years if all goes well I hope to be playing basketball for the Seattle Supersonics when the city gets a team back. But if not, I really could be anywhere…maybe exploring the world by playing basketball professionally in Europe, maybe back on the west coast getting started with a business career, or maybe I’ll stick around on the east coast and see where life takes me out here. Five years is a long way away, so for now I’m going to concentrate on making the most out of every day and setting myself up to be in a good position when that time comes around.