WLS shooting victim giving back to support school

After several weeks of support from his community and school, West Liberty-Salem student shooting victim Logan Cole is giving back.

The sophomore, who was shot by a fellow student Jan. 20, announced Saturday he and his family are donating money and heading fund-raising efforts for a proposed athletic field house at the school.

The announcement came at West Liberty-Salem’s first Athletic Association reverse raffle.

During the event, Logan was awarded $11,500 from the sale of shirts and signs supporting him. He is donating half that total as well as $17,000 from the family toward funding.

“I’ve decided this is a project I’d like to support,” he told the crowd gathered in the school gym.

Plans for the proposed Tiger Strong Field House were revealed during the presentation. West Liberty-Salem athletic director Jake Vitt said the school hopes to have the facility built within two years.

“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a lot of years,” said Vitt. “The Cole family has played a huge role in making it a reality. Logan is one of the most selfless people I know. He’s overwhelmed anytime he’s received money.”

Vitt said the field house will cost around $800,000 to build.

Logan’s dad, Ryan Cole, said it was Logan’s decision to back this and the family is supporting it. They plan on going into the community to raise funds.

The owners of ColePak, Inc., a company that does interior packaging, the Coles also plan to work with business partners as well as other area businesses to solicit donations and try to match them when possible.

Ryan Cole talked about dedicating a room of honor in the field house’s foyer dedicated to community heroes, including the first responders who helped Logan, as well as a donor wall and other areas for recognition.

They’ve talked to area artist Mike Major to contribute work in the room.

A soccer player for the school, Logan Cole said among the many trials he’s faced since the shooting has been not being able to play soccer. He looks forward to getting back on the field.

“You never know how much you miss it until you don’t have it,” he said.

Logan will take a step toward getting back on the field by getting his back brace off this month.

He also said a problem the school athletic programs face is competing for gym space and a new facility would help alleviate some of that.

And despite all he’s fought through since that horrible day in January, he’s like a lot of others when it comes to public speaking.

“I was nervous about the announcement but excited about it,” Logan said. “I feel this is a great way to give back.”

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