FZN Senior Chance Cole recently committed to Milliken University, located in Decatur, Illinois, with plans of wrestling for the “Big Blue.” Cole was a standout wrestler at North High, where he twice captured “All-State” honors. He completed a stellar freshmen season, when he went 41 – 4 while placing 5th in State at 160 lbs. Prior to an injury that would shorted his sophomore season, Cole had compiled a 28 – 4 record. He was the 3rd ranked wrestler in the state at his weight class prior to the injury. The injury lingered into the 2021 – 2022 wrestling campaign, forcing Cole to miss the entire season. A healthy Cole returned to the mat for the Panthers in 2022 – 2023 and went on to set a new single season record for wins, as he won 56 matches this past season. Cole also earned his second state medal, finishing 3rd for the Panthers at the 175 lb weight class. He finished his career at FZN with a 125 – 14 record. A wrestler with a wealth of experience, Cole started his career at the tender age of six, competing for the Zumwalt Youth Wrestling Club and the Purler Wrestling Academy. He has competed nationally throughout his wrestling career, winning “All-American” honors at the USA Folkstyle Nationals in 2022.
Milliken is a NCAA Division 3-member school that competes in athletics as a member of the CCIW (College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin). This past season, the “Big Blue” finished with a 10 – 6 dual meet record and finished 2nd in the CCIW. Cole plans on majoring in Exercise Science.