Not many high schools around Indy are able to say that they have had multiple Olympic medalists walk the halls of said school. Cathedral is home to one very important track and field Olympic gold medalist from the 2024 summer games. Mr. Cole Hocker ‘19 won Olympic gold in the 1500 meter race. He ran a highly competitive race and went in as the underdog but came out a champion. 

Hocker came back to Cathedral on the 12th to a student panel and a packed gym all there to congratulate this special alumnus. The assembly was full of all students, staff, Hocker’s friends and family, and many cameras. Cathedral had four students, each on the track team, ask a series of questions for everyone to learn more about Hocker and what it’s like to be an Olympic champion. Hocker said that even though he has a target on his back in the running world now, “This is everything I’ve prayed for and everything I’ve worked for so I need to embrace that target.”

I do a lot at Cathedral High School, but sometimes I just have to wear a green hat and a flashy jacket. As the school mascot, I am given many cool opportunities. Some of them are super fun and others are not so fun. As one of the leprechauns, I was able to talk to Hocker one on one. Hocker said that since the big race, he’s been around the U.S doing lots of interviews, podcasts, commercials, and has made many appearances.

In his return to Indy, he did a press conference at the Monumental Marathon, he rang the Anvil at the Colts game, and made an Olympic appearance at halftime, and he ended his trip here on the Hill. He said the biggest thing that has changed since the summer games has been “being recognized everywhere I go and being asked to talk in front of groups is something I had never done before.” 

Hocker remembers many things about Cathedral. While talking with the student panel he said his favorite teacher at Cathedral was the beloved Mrs. Ford, Math Teacher. As she sat in the audience, he talked about how her teaching is something you’ll learn to appreciate after high school. He said, “A lot of people appreciate Mrs. Ford after they graduate because they can understand what she was trying to teach to us.”

Hocker also talked about his  discipline record while in high school. As he talked about his infractions and detentions, he said, “I was more worried about driving safe and responsible than being on time.” The entire student body thought this was hilarious, and even teachers shared in the laughter. 

Junior Jackson Harvey, track and field hurdler, said, “It was really cool to be able to hear from Cole Hocker. His advice about injuries and just senior year in general stood out to me. Hearing from an Olympic champion can really change your perspective.”