HS FOOTBALL: North Pocono's West commits to Cornell University
Cole West has had a busy month on the road, visiting college campuses across the country and taking on all of the pitches in search of the perfect fit for his future.
As June is winding down and football summer workouts intensify ahead of the start of the 2026 season, North Pocono's all-around athlete made a decision by committing to Cornell University.
West, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound senior and last fall's Times-Tribune Defensive Player of the Year, is excited about the prospect of competing on the field and in the classroom of the Ivy League school in Ithaca, New York.
"I have to start by thanking my family, especially my dad (Jeff), for all of their support," West said. "We were visiting schools every weekend for the last four or five weeks. Cornell just felt right. It is a big school. The coaching staff is great, and I can't wait to be a part of what they are building at Cornell."
A three-year starter, West is one of the top all-around players in the state. He led the Trojans to the District 2 Class 4A and Lackawanna Football Conference Division I championships last season when the team won a school-record 13 games.
West dominated on both sides of the ball as a junior. He had 88 total tackles, nine interceptions and 12 passes defended. As a multi-position player, he ran for 631 yards and nine touchdowns, and he caught 27 passes for 496 yards and four touchdowns.
As a wide receiver, West ranks first in the program's history with 1,479 career yards receiving. He is second all-time with 85 receptions, behind Nick Bell (92).
His talent earned him several scholarship opportunities. In addition to Cornell, Army, Navy, Air Force, the University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Georgetown, New Haven, Bryant, Maine and Sacred Heart were courting West.
"Coach (Greg) Dolhon and I were working very closely through this process," West said. "He told me to use June to focus on Cole West. Then, as we get into July, focus on North Pocono. That was a reason that I wanted to commit early. I am playing with my best friends and can't wait for this season. I can concentrate on this year, confident that the future is secure."
North Pocono opens its season Aug. 28 against Berwick, which played in the District 2 Class 3A championship game last season.
"We know we have a target on our backs this season," West said. "We have to take things one game at a time. All that matters is working toward Berwick in Week 1. Practice is more intense, and we love it."
Cornell finished 4-6 overall and 3-4 in the Ivy League in 2025. Head coach Dan Swanstrom is beginning his fourth season.
West, 17, a high honor roll student and member of the National Honor Society at North Pocono, intends to study business or sports management.
"Obviously, Cornell has great academics," West said. The head coach is already searching for internships to arrange for me. It's the Ivy League, and I saw how much academics mean to the coaches."
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