Cole Chewins: Living Out His Dream
11/30/2019 3:30:00 PM | Football
Senior offensive lineman Cole Chewins had always dreamed about being a collegiate football player and Michigan State gave him the opportunity to live out that dream.
"When you're a freshman, everything is in front of you and you just have to set your goals high and go to work at it," said Chewins, who was put on scholarship in January 2016. "They give you all the resources and the opportunities, it's just a matter of getting to work and going about the process. It's been my dream; coming as a walk-on, getting put on scholarship, playing in your first game and then your first start. It's a dream."
Through persistent and dedication to his craft, Chewins not only earned a scholarship, but he worked his way to a starting position on the offensive line, at a place that he knew was going to help him be the best version of himself.
"It felt like home. It felt like family. It felt like where I was supposed to be. I just took the chance and never looked back," Chewins said.
The young athlete who attended Spartan football camps for years growing up had always dreamed of taking the field on Saturday's in the fall - and put in the work to make his dreams come true.Â
The Clarkston, Michigan, native attributes his successes on the football field and in the classroom to his family - both his Spartan football family and his mom, Stacey, dad, Paul and sister, Kelsey. And over the years, the two families have become interconnected.
"The people here really shape and mold who you are. Being around good people is what makes it even more fun," said Chewins. "The memories you make and who you meet, they're lifelong connections, not just when you're here. There's guys that I'll talk to for the rest of my life and there's coaches on the team I'll stay in touch with. Even everyone in the program, it's truly a family."
Although an injury has been a setback for the left tackle this season, Chewins has made the most of the opportunity to be a mentor to the younger players.
"You just have to go with what life presents you with," said Chewins. "I've just been trying to be the best leader and the best teammate that I can be for the guys, especially the offensive line. You're invested in them just as much as they're invested in you."Â
Off the field, Chewins has had an equally decorated career, including the 2018 recipient of the Michael R. Sadler Scholar-Athlete Award.Â
In the classroom, Chewins has excelled, becoming a two-time Academic All-American, a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and is on his way to earn his second degree. He completed his bachelor's degree in finance last year and is set to receive his master's degree in finance this December.
"Not too many people can say that they've done all that and play big time college football," Chewins said. "It was a dream come true for me because realistically, you have to have both, the academics and the athletics side. I feel like I've had a pretty good balance."
As Chewins looks to enter the finance field after the conclusion of his career on the football field is done, he knows that he is well-prepared to take on his professional career and whatever life throws his way.
"I've been given a lot of tools and opportunities here, and the people I've met as well are going to be lifelong lasting connections," Chewins said. "I hope that I can continue that and continue to learn and grow as a person."
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"When you're a freshman, everything is in front of you and you just have to set your goals high and go to work at it," said Chewins, who was put on scholarship in January 2016. "They give you all the resources and the opportunities, it's just a matter of getting to work and going about the process. It's been my dream; coming as a walk-on, getting put on scholarship, playing in your first game and then your first start. It's a dream."
Through persistent and dedication to his craft, Chewins not only earned a scholarship, but he worked his way to a starting position on the offensive line, at a place that he knew was going to help him be the best version of himself.
"It felt like home. It felt like family. It felt like where I was supposed to be. I just took the chance and never looked back," Chewins said.
The young athlete who attended Spartan football camps for years growing up had always dreamed of taking the field on Saturday's in the fall - and put in the work to make his dreams come true.Â
The Clarkston, Michigan, native attributes his successes on the football field and in the classroom to his family - both his Spartan football family and his mom, Stacey, dad, Paul and sister, Kelsey. And over the years, the two families have become interconnected.
"The people here really shape and mold who you are. Being around good people is what makes it even more fun," said Chewins. "The memories you make and who you meet, they're lifelong connections, not just when you're here. There's guys that I'll talk to for the rest of my life and there's coaches on the team I'll stay in touch with. Even everyone in the program, it's truly a family."
Although an injury has been a setback for the left tackle this season, Chewins has made the most of the opportunity to be a mentor to the younger players.
"You just have to go with what life presents you with," said Chewins. "I've just been trying to be the best leader and the best teammate that I can be for the guys, especially the offensive line. You're invested in them just as much as they're invested in you."Â
Off the field, Chewins has had an equally decorated career, including the 2018 recipient of the Michael R. Sadler Scholar-Athlete Award.Â
In the classroom, Chewins has excelled, becoming a two-time Academic All-American, a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and is on his way to earn his second degree. He completed his bachelor's degree in finance last year and is set to receive his master's degree in finance this December.
"Not too many people can say that they've done all that and play big time college football," Chewins said. "It was a dream come true for me because realistically, you have to have both, the academics and the athletics side. I feel like I've had a pretty good balance."
As Chewins looks to enter the finance field after the conclusion of his career on the football field is done, he knows that he is well-prepared to take on his professional career and whatever life throws his way.
"I've been given a lot of tools and opportunities here, and the people I've met as well are going to be lifelong lasting connections," Chewins said. "I hope that I can continue that and continue to learn and grow as a person."
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