Liberty senior distance runner Cole Frank had seen it all before.

Nine college visits with his brother Casey, who is now a freshman at Moravian College, didn’t pique Frank’s interest regarding college choices for himself; that was until Frank accepted an invitation to a junior day visit at Temple University this past January.

“Then COVID happened, and I knew it was Temple,” said Frank, who signed a National Letter of Intent on Nov. 21 to run cross country and track with the Owls.

Frank had the opportunity to meet Coach James Snyder that day in January, and Frank’s tour guide was Easton alumnus Kevin Lapsansky, who was a PIAA state cross country medalist in high school just like Frank.

“I think Coach Snyder put me with Kevin because he knew he would have a bigger impact on me. He told me how much everyone loves the coach and the program,” said Frank. “One thing Kevin said that was really cool to me is that we live with three other teammates, and that makes the team closer. We’re running with our brothers, and it makes you want to do your best. There are so many ways to succeed there.”

Frank was also drawn to Coach Snyder’s demeanor.

“He’s a super nice guy and seems like he’s happy all the time,” Frank said.

Frank noted that Temple recruited 10 runners for this year and five runners for next year, but this year’s 10 have redshirted, so technically, there will be 15 freshmen on the team for 2021-2022.

“It will be great to have all those kids in my grade and then become lifelong friends,” said Frank.

Although the men’s cross country season spans the time period from September through December, Temple’s men’s track & field team is a club team during winter and spring. And while Frank is planning to major in business and will be running year-round, the team has its own advisers for help with time management.

“I’m looking forward to another chapter in my life, a chance to restart, and a chance to get close to my team,” Frank said.