JEFF FIELDER Editor
CHADRON – Cole Madsen, a 2020 Chadron High School graduate, has been named Nspire Today!’s Male Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. Madsen is in his third and final season playing for the Chadron senior Legion baseball team. He pitches and is also a catcher. During high school, he also played football (center and defensive end). Also in high school, he participated in FFA and National Honor Society. He graduated with a 3.912 GPA. He plans to attend Chadron State College this fall, majoring in rangeland management with a livestock option. His parents are Justin and Carey Madsen. For being named an Athlete of the Week, Cole will receive a gift card for a free drink at Scooter’s Coffee.
Q: How has the baseball season been going for Chadron?
MADSEN: “Well, it’s kind of been a rocky road for the most part. But I think everyone is getting a pretty good handle on it, and we’re doing the best we can.”
Q: What were your expectations for the team coming into the season?
MADSEN: “I thought we were going to do really good and win a lot of games. But some of the games got cancelled. Overall, I would say it’s been a good year so far.”
Q: I know Chadron has only a couple weeks left in its season. Has this seemed like a really fast season to you, especially because of the late start due to COVID-19?
MADSEN: “Oh, yes. Usually, it seems like it kind of drags out, but this year it’s flown by.”
Q: How much have you been enjoying your last season of baseball?
MADSEN: “I’m loving it. I’ve always enjoyed baseball, and if I could play another 20 years I would do it.”
Q: What’s Chadron’s goals for these last couple weeks of the season, especially since there’s no state tournament?
MADSEN: “Just win as many games as we can and have a blast while doing it.”
Q: Up to this point, what’s your top memory in baseball?
MADSEN: “I have a lot of great memories, but what I’ve enjoyed the most is just traveling around with the guys. It’s been a blast.”
Q: Talk about how your football career went.
MADSEN: “It went pretty well. My coaches were great, and my teammates were great. I had a blast. If I could play a couple more years, I would.”
Q: Which sport do you like playing better – football or baseball?
MADSEN: “Definitely baseball. There are more warmer days.”
Q: How much are you looking forward to getting your college career started?
MADSEN: “I’m a little nervous, but I think once it gets off to a good start, I’ll really like it. I think it will be fun.”
Q: Was it a pretty easy decision for you to pick Chadron State?
MADSEN: “Yes. I’ve always wanted to stay around here and be around family. So, that’s what I’m going to do.”
Q: In addition to Chadron State College being in your hometown, what else do you like about CSC?
MADSEN: “I like that it’s a small college. Everyone knows everyone.”
Q: Why have you decided to pursue a degree in rangeland management?
MADSEN: “I’ve lived on a farm and ranch for 18 years, and it’s the biggest part of my life, so I want to keep going with that and learn some new things.”
Q: For you, what’s been the best part about growing up on a farm and ranch?
MADSEN: “It’s free out here. You get to do whatever you want.”
Q: What do you want to do for a career?
MADSEN: “I definitely want to be involved in agriculture, raising a crop and raising calves and helping all the neighbors out.”
Q: After college, do you see yourself sticking around the Chadron area?
MADSEN: “Yes, I do. Hopefully, I’ll be here for another 80 years. I love it here.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed growing up in the Chadron community?
MADSEN: “I’ve loved it. The people are great. Everyone helps you out. It’s the best town around.”
Q: During your senior year of high school, what was your favorite non-sports activity?
MADSEN: “Definitely FFA. We got to travel around to different towns and be involved in competitions. I enjoyed hanging out as a chapter and enjoying agriculture.”
Q: Outside of your school activities and sports, what else do you like to do for fun?
MADSEN: “Probably just sitting on a tractor.” [laughs]
Q: What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
MADSEN: “Country — 80s and 90s.”
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
MADSEN: “I like Supernatural.”
Q: What do you think is the coolest attraction in the WyoBraska area?
MADSEN: “I think Chimney Rock is a pretty beautiful place.”
Q: Name one person who you think is a big difference-maker in the Chadron community.
MADSEN: “Terri Lemmon. She helps the youth out in 4-H and is an all-around great person.”
Q: Who do you think was one of the kindest students at Chadron High School this past school year?
MADSEN: “Blake Olson. He’s going to be a freshman in college. He helps people out, like holding the door for people. He’s never mean to anybody. He’s the kind of person you would like to have in your high school or college – or anyplace.”
Q: If you could give a shoutout to one business in Chadron, which one would it be and why?
MADSEN: “I would say Arrow Building Center because for our woods project, they really help a lot of students out.”
Q: Do you have any siblings?
MADSEN: “Yes, I have two brothers. Cody will be a junior in college at CSC, and Clay just graduated from CSC.”
If you would like to nominate someone for Nspire Today!’s Athletes of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC – American Family Insurance, you may do so by sending an email to jeff.fielder@nspiretoday.com or by mailing a letter to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. Nominations may also be submitted by sending a text to 308-220-8865.
In addition to being recognized online, athletes of the week will also be recognized in Nspire Today! magazine. To sign up for a one-year subscription (12 issues) to the magazine, please send $15 to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. To pay with a credit card, please call 308-220-8865.
For all your insurance needs, visit The Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance, located at 1012 Ave. I in Scottsbluff, or call 308-632-8598.
