By Derrick Smith

Basketball has been a part of Cory Cole’s life for as long as he can remember. Whether he was playing in a game himself or watching a college or professional game, if basketball was an option, he was doing it. So it was no surprise that he is now coaching the game he loves.

“I’ve always loved the game as a kid growing up,” Bales said. “I didn’t really know what I wanted to do as college wrapped up for me.  I did know I wanted to do something that I loved and had a passion for and that was coaching. And it was a way to stay connected to the game.”

Cole is in his first season as the head basketball coach for the Norman Tigers. His love for the game is part of the reason he is coaching, but the other reason is coaches that have impacted him over the years.
There are a few coaches that have had an influence on my life and coaching career,” he stated. “Dan Hays and Curtis Janz at Oklahoma Christian University,  Trent May at Southern Nazarene and Buzz Willams at Texas A&M have all played a big part in my life.”

While this is his first year in the high school ranks, he has twenty-five years of experience coaching at the collegiate level where he has seen a lot of success.

“While at Tulsa last season on the women’s side, we got to play at OSU and picked up a big win,” he said. “As the head coach at my alma mater, Oklahoma Christian University men’s program, we beat six ranked teams in two seasons.  We made it to the conference tournament semi finals two straight years in row.  While at Grand Canyon University on the women’s side.  We won 5 conference championships,  advanced to the NCAA tournament 5 years including 3 sweet sixteen appearances.”

As the head coach, Bales’ success is about more than just wins and losses. He considers the growth of his players off the court as part of his coaching.
“Developing relationships with my players is important,” he said. “Also the mentorship opportunities to pour into them from things I have learned and been through are also vital.”