The Cumberland County Board of Education this evening presented legendary livestock judging coach Robert “Keith” Cole with the Kids First Award.

Director of Schools William Stepp said the following during the presentation:

“We often associate legendary coaches with sports. Phil Fulmer, Bear Bryant, Steve Spurrier, Pat Summit, etc. These are legendary coaches as their records in their respective sports reflect that. Good coaches train the team, condition the team, put the game plan into action, and play the game. Great coaches do all these things but great players are inspired by great coaches.

Keith Cole is a great coach.

Aside from coaching students in livestock judging he has inspired others in the classroom, the football field, the softball diamond, and a multitude of school and non-school activities.

Mr. Cole started his livestock judging coaching career in the early 1980s after both attending the national contest himself and judging at MTSU in the 1980s. His team qualified for the national FFA contest in 1984. However, he was unable to attend due to the passing of his father.

His next team to qualify as coach at Cumberland County High School was in 1998. The group consisted of Jim Wilson, Danny Wilson, Nick West, and Chris Burris.

Shortly on the heels of the “98” team, Mr. Cole had another team attend the nationals in 2004 from Cumberland County High School. Team members included Bob Cole (Mr. Cole’s son), Jake Beaty, Justin Beaty, and Amanda Taylor Mullinax.

Mr. Cole had several changes before the next team won another state title. He was the first Ag teacher and advisor at Stone Memorial High School and his next team was in 2010. Team members included Colten McClanahan, Dusty Hinch, Taylor Graham, and Blythe Graham.

He didn’t have to wait long for another team to go from Stone Memorial High School. The next team won in 2015. Team members included Logan Adams, Jenna Beaty, Jacy Beaty, and Andy Carey.

Aside from FFA, Mr. Cole has also been heavily involved in 4-H livestock teams. His 4-H teams went to the national 4-H competition in 2006, 2008, and 2011.

Most recently the team he coached did something that has not been done before in his 36 years of teaching and coaching. The 2023 team will be competing in both the national FFA and national 4-H competition held this fall in Indianapolis and Louisville, respectively. Team members include Lillie Iles, Brody Lowe, Bella Moore, and Brayden Webb.

Much could be said about the teams that won and even the teams that didn’t. As with sports it takes a degree of luck to win in livestock judging. However, the influence that Keith Cole has had on the students he coached is immeasurable. Former students and competitors are agricultural industry experts, coaches, teachers, FFA advisors, and multiple other career paths outside the agriculture industry. As a legend in the field Mr. Cole did more than just train students to evaluate cattle, sheep, and hogs. He taught and inspired multiple generations of students to be productive citizens in agriculture and beyond.”