Football is a lifestyle for Cole Earles. Earles, a current senior at Owatonna High School, plans to attend the college of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. They plan to join the highly competitive MIAC conference with Division III schools around Minnesota starting in 2021, as they were formerly in the UMAC. St. Scholastica is a private school and has an enrollment of around 2,500. While playing football, Earles plans to major in Athletic Training. St. Scholastica is one of the best schools to attend to have a future in athletic training, as they have a near perfect placement or hiring rate out of graduation. 

What sets Earles apart is his hard nose style of play. He is always one of the most physical and hard nosed players on the field. Earles constantly flies around the ball and is known for punishing hits. Abilities like these are exactly what coaches at the next level are looking for. Earles looks to join the Saints as an inside linebacker or edge rusher next year. 

The main reason Earles decided to commit to St. Scholastica besides his major was because of how much of a home it felt like. Like anywhere, people are attracted to places where they feel most comfortable and Duluth is no exception for Earles. Earles said, “The staff makes you feel like family the first time you meet them and the way things are run it’s almost the same as here at OHS.”

Earles will be bringing a whole lot of passion and heart to the northern part of Minnesota. Teammate and fellow inside linebacker this past year, Grant Achterkirch, would have to say the same thing. Achterkirch said, “What made him good was how hard he played all the time. He never gave up on a play and was always pushing himself to his limits.” Earles in his final season as a Husky, had 29 total tackles and half a sack in seven games.  Head football coach at Owatonna High School, Jeff Williams, thinks his success will come from his ability to balance life. Coach Williams said, “Cole is a solid student and will thrive in the more personal atmosphere that St. Scholastica provides. He has always balanced school and sports well and that skill will serve him well at the next level.”  Earles has a bright future and will be a great addition to the college of St. Scholastica.