One of the first great running backs in Delaware football history, Billy Cole led the Blue Hens to national prominence in the 1940's under coach Bill Murray. A Delaware native, he rushed for 1,120 career yards - becoming the first player in University of Delaware history to surpass the 1,000-yard milestone - and still holds the Delaware record for yards per carry in a season (12.2). He led Delaware to the 1946 national small college title, earned a spot on the 1948 Associated Press All-American team, and was later named the 1949 UD Outstanding Senior Male Athlete of the Year. A 1949 Delaware graduate, he also was a standout in basketball and baseball at Delaware and earned 11 varsity letters. He led the 1946 baseball squad to the Middle Atlantic Conference title and earned four letters and served as captain of the 1948-49 squad in basketball. He later enjoyed an outstanding high school coaching career at William Penn HS and was inducted into the state's Delaware Sports Hall of Fame in 1979. Billy is retired and resides in New Castle, DE with his wife, Elaine. The Coles have four grown children and 11 grandchildren.
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