Coach & Athletic Director

Gary Cole devoted 26 years to serving SUNY Delhi in many capacities but his most lasting impact was in athletics. As Coach and then as Athletic Director, he led the Men's and Women's Cross Country, Track and Field, Golf and Men's Basketball Teams to some of their most successful seasons. When he served as head Basketball Coach, the Broncos compiled a 252-149 record. As Athletic Director, Cole was heavily involved in the NJCAA as Assistant Regional Director, serving on numerous national committees. His greatest contribution to the college and community came when he brought the NJCAA Division III National Tournaments in cross country, track and field and men's basketball to Delhi. He served as tournament director for 16 years. Cole coached many All-Conference and All-Region players, including First Team All-Americans. He was honored as 1992 NYS Basketball Coach of the Year and NJCAA Men's Division III National Coach of the Year. In 1993, Coach Cole was the recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service, and in May 1994, the NYS Legislature adopted a resolution honoring Cole's career as SUNY Delhi's Basketball Coach and Athletic Director. As a testament to his national contributions, Cole received the 2006 NJCAA National Service Award and the Coach of the Tournament Award for the NJCAA Division III Men's National Basketball Championships.