I was one of Cole’s teachers, and his Cross Country coach. I would like to thank Cole’s family for giving me the opportunity to speak today. I offer my deepest condolences to Lisa, Andy, and Kanaan; all of Cole’s family members, his friends, his teachers and everyone else who loved him.

As you can see by this room today, Cole was loved deeply by many, many people.

Less than a week ago Cole was out running with the track team. Less than a week. And he was debating which shoes he should get for the season. He was really excited about that. Cole was an excellent runner. We have a motto on the cross country team — ALL IN — that means putting forth your full effort in everything you do.

The great American distance runner Steve Prefontaine once said “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” We are all blessed with different gifts in this life. All of us. Anytime you give less than your best, you’re sacrificing those gifts. You’re wasting them. It takes deep commitment and focus to truly live ALL IN. I can say with confidence that Cole personified this idea more than anyone I know.

When it came to running, Cole had one speed: ALL IN. For better or worse. When I first coached Cole in 7th grade, I asked him to run the 2-mile, which is 8 laps around the track. It’s easily one of the most grueling races in the sport, especially for someone brand new.

Cole jumped right in and ran as hard as he possibly could — on the first lap — too bad he had 7 more to go. He struggled out there, but he never quit. Over the next few years, Cole improved tremendously and this past season he earned a spot on the varsity team.

He learned how to better pace himself, but he still ran ALL IN, pure guts all the way. He ran against guys with more talent, more experience, fancier shoes. But no one worked as hard as he did in a race. One speed, All In. Pure guts.  

That being said, he usually ran that way fueled by fast food and Monster energy drinks. When our captains presented their team awards this season, Cole earned the ‘Most Likely to Eat McDonald’s on the Starting Line’ award.

As a coach, I may disagree with his methods, but as a human being, I must admit that that’s a mighty fine example of living life to the fullest, consequences be damned.

Cole lived his life ALL IN. No exceptions. He loved deeply, but his pain went just as deep. They say sometimes the kindest, most outgoing, most caring people are the ones who hurt the most. There’s an old song lyric by M. Ward that reminds me of Cole: “He summoned all of his joy when he laughed and suffered all of his pain when he cried.”

Cole had a very serious disease. Depression consumed his life. Over the past year, those closest to him watched him suffer. His parents, friends, and teachers did everything in their power to help him fight through it. Like many people with a mental illness, he had good days and bad days. Good hours and bad hours. He would have a great day at school and practice, but suffer with his own thoughts when he went home.

Cole is now at peace.

But look what he left behind. A room full of people who love him and will miss him forever. We will never, ever forget Cole Burgess. My heart breaks for everything he leaves behind and the future that he cut short.

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. There is always another day, there is always another hour. What may seem impossible or insurmountable in the present moment, will absolutely fade with time.

I hope that Cole’s legacy serves as a reminder to everyone who knew him, and even those who didn’t, that your life has value. Your life has purpose. You have people that love you, even if you don’t always recognize it.

Cole’s vision was clouded to the point where he thought all hope was lost — but no matter how dark things get, no matter how bleak things may seem, there is always hope.

There is always tomorrow. There’s always another 5 minutes to take a breath, play your favorite song, get a coffee, text a friend, pet your dog, get some fresh air, take a nap, draw, write, sing, play video games, throw a frisbee, watch Netflix, hug your parents.

But you can’t do any of that if you’re not here. You can’t do anything if you’re not here.

In Cole’s memory, in Cole’s honor, I challenge all of us to live ALL IN. Don’t waste a minute of your life. Cole may have left us far too soon, but he lived his 16 years to the fullest. I just wish he had more.

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If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

Just stay alive.