Castle Rock, CO

Four weeks into their 2018 varsity football season Castle View has managed to triple their wins from 2017. Although many factors contribute to their current winning record, including a new head coach, Todd Casebier, several players have stepped up their efforts and played a role in the team’s success. Senior Cole Oster is one player who has been having a tremendous season starting on both the offense as a running back and as strong safety on defense. As one of the team captains Cole is not content with the team’s current 3-1 record, he wants to see his team still playing into November competing in the Colorado 5A football playoffs.

Last week in their shut out of cross-town rival Douglas County High School, Oster forced a fumble on defense and  carried the ball sixteen times for a total of an even 100 yards. That brings his total rushing yards to 527 in the four games played this season. On the receiving end Oster can add another 99 yards to his total offensive gains. Oster has found the endzone at least once in each of the four games this season for a total ten touchdowns including five in Castle View’s thrilling 36-35 victory over Wasatch Valley (Utah).

One would think that Oster would be satisfied with his offensive performance, but his personal goal is to make the all-state team not just on offense but on defense as well. In 2017 he made all-conference as an outside linebacker and led the league in take aways. This season on defense he is credited for 18 solo tackles, 3 forced fumbles, a sack, and an interception. Cole has been playing football since he was 6 years old and has played many different positions perhaps that is why he is finding success now on both sides of the ball.

When asked about Oster’s performance so far this season, Coach Todd Casebier referenced several of Cole’s personal traits. “His work ethic, preparation, attitude and effort are outstanding. He is an unselfish teammate who understands his role in our success. He also is the first to give his teammates and coaches credit. He is a pleasure to coach.” And perhaps these are the intangibles that will allow Oster to play at the collegiate level.

Currently Oster is looking at several colleges including Colorado State in his former hometown of Fort Collins. He moved with his parents, Charles and Farah, and his older sister Megan, to Castle Rock in 2006. Additionally, he is exploring other options which has included visits to schools throughout Colorado, California, Washington, Wyoming, Montana, North and South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska.  While Oster has received offers, he remains undecided and plans on committing after the season ends.  

Fortunately, Cole has set himself up to be a strong academic applicant. With a GPA of 3.67 he made Academic All-State for football players in 2017 and is a member of the National Honor Society. During his freshman and sophomore years, Cole distinguished himself by playing three sports, track and basketball in addition to football before choosing to focus solely on football during his last two years of high school.

When Coach Casebier spoke of Cole’s “unselfish” play it may be best demonstrated by some of Cole’s activities off the field. He leads a weekly group bible study with other student-athletes.  Additionally, Cole mentors both a 6th grade student from Soaring Hawk and a freshman student from Castle View. As their mentor, Cole makes some time each week to meet with each boy and talk with them and help provide them with a positive male role model. Cole credits his parents.  His dad, Charles Oster, for providing him with a good example and encouraging him to reach his full potential and his mother, Farah Oster, who has taught him to be compassionate.  Cole seems to understand that  football is a sport that is teaching him important life skills. This shows great insight from a young man who states “Football is the ultimate team game and it sticks with you for life. It will end someday but the relationships you create stick around.” It appears that this young man is well prepared to succeed not just on the football field but in life as well.  

COLE OSTER FILM