As I sat in the Georgia dugout earlier this week with Cole Johnson and reminisced about his game saving catch against Tennessee, I thought how nice it would have been if Jimmy Dorsey’s rendition of his 1957 hit, “So Rare,” could have been the musical backdrop to the glorious scene that brought about tumult and shouting that overwhelmed the Bulldog Nation.

Cole’s feat will resonate with an enduring affection that is a reminder that in competition, we swoon the hardest and loudest for those heroes who gain recognition on offense such as grand slam homers in late innings or timely hits that bring home the winning runs when time is of the essence.

In a brief conversation, I gathered illuminating insights into his makeup concluding that his laid back and measured way means that his emotional temperature is never too high or never too low.  His way is studied and resolute.  He is an All-American boy who is imbued with a sense of place with maturity as an accomplice.  Not the type to expect such things as “The Catch,” to make his day every outing, it certainly didn’t come as a surprise to his accomplished parents, Michael, a lawyer in town and Elizabeth, a highly regarded physician.  First of all, they are happy that he is a good kid who underscores the training that should allow for a bright future.

There was disciple growing up, he was taught responsibility, and he had a few rules in his daily lifestyle which has led to enviable comportment.  For Cole, everything is taken in stride.  If there were a big game at Sanford Stadium, he was there.  Same with basketball, baseball and other Bulldog sports events. This delightful smorgasbord of opportunity brought about feelings of thanksgiving.  He knows not every kid had it so good.

He never wanted to matriculate anywhere else.  Georgia was always on his mind.  Like the rest of the world, he does not know where the road of life will take him, but for now, he likes what has come his way.  He is not without deep and abiding gratefulness.  He has always aspired to be a Dawg and now that he has entered the Bulldog Valhalla, he won’t let success spoil.

His catch ranks up there with the signature performances in Georgia history that shall remain entrenched in the unforgettable moments of Bulldog glory.  Like Tom Philpott’s no hitter on Grant Field in 1919 Don Woeltjen’s no-hitter on Rose Bowl Field in 1963; Frank Sinkwich winning the Heisman Trophy after playing with a broken jaw in 1941; Charley Trippi gaining over a hundred yards in the Rose Bowl victory over UCLA, New Year’s Day, 1943; Theron Sapp breaking the drought in 1957; Tarkenton to Heron to win the SEC championship in 1959; Bellue to Scott against Florida in 1980; Herschel gaining 150yards with a dislocated shoulder to lead Georgia to the national championship in 1980, along with many others.

When he is not busy with baseball and maintaining a 4.0 average in the classroom, he can’t get enough of hunting and fishing, an influence brought about by his dad’s affection for such outdoor activities.  This enabled them to spend time together when he was growing up.  

His major—atmospheric science—is worthy of cursory review.  He is very curious about the weather and enjoys watching the news.  However, he has no affinity for “being on camera.”  The reason?  “Just too shy.”

An avid reader, he aspires to travel to experience opportunity.  Like to fly fish out West.  To see classic sporting events such as the Super Bowl and the World Series—but always remaining anchored near Sanford Stadium, Foley Field, and other Bulldog venues, which have brought him so much fulfillment.

In the meantime, he would like to continue to contribute to the success of the baseball Bulldogs. He has dreams of Omaha and beyond.  His life is off to a great start and he can’t wait for the next opportunity.

This is a young man who doesn’t expect signature highlights every game.  He would be just as happy with a sacrifice bunt to move a teammate into scoring position as he would to be the batter who singles a runner home from second for the winning run.

Since grade school, he has always taken his glove to Foley Field and has a small collection of foul balls he caught over the years.  The centerpiece of that collection now has a jewel that will endure as “The Catch.”