Photos provided by Cole Finney.
Standing tall at 6', 6" and 255 lbs, Cole Finney is not your average high school student. Not only was he recruited to play football at Duke, but he will be playing tight-end, a position that he never played for the Harbormen. As a star wide-receiver and defensive end for Hingham, Cole made a name for himself on the football field but also in the classroom and with his fellow students. He is known as being as kind as he is athletic and as dedicated to academics as he is to football.
Hingham, meet Cole.
What is your first memory of playing football?
My first memory playing football is from my first practice ever back in the fourth grade. I remember putting on pads and playing football for real for the first time. It was an unbelievable feeling to finally play the game I had always been so intrigued by.
Do you have a favorite memory throughout your years at Hingham Schools?
I have made countless memories in my time at Hingham Schools, but my favorite memory has to be beating Scituate at Fenway Park during our Thanksgiving football game. Playing on the same field and in the same stadium as some of the most legendary baseball players of all time was an incredible experience.
What is being a student at Hingham High like?
I am so grateful to be a part of Hingham High School. It is a place full of successful and ambitious people. Attending school everyday in this environment has driven me to be the best I can be as an athlete, student, and person.
What is your favorite restaurant in Hingham?
My favorite place to eat in Hingham is definitely Chipotle. I go there at least twice a week and it never gets old.
Who do you find to be the most inspiring person in Hingham?
My father, Peter Finney, is the most inspiring person I know. My dad grew up in Concord, New Hampshire, where he lived with his single mother and two brothers. After high school he attended the United States Naval Academy and afterwards served his country for almost thirty years. He has worked endlessly his entire life to provide the best life possible for those around him. My father has taught me the importance of being a hard worker, a leader, and a good person. He has shown me how far these traits can take you in life.
What do you love most about Hingham?
I love the community feel and history of Hingham. Just about everyone here is proud to call Hingham their home.
What teacher has impacted you the most from Hingham Schools?
Two teachers that have had the greatest impacts on me are Dr. Struzziero and Ms. O’Connor. Dr. Struzziero is constantly demonstrating what it means to treat others the right way and has taught me numerous lessons that will remain with me for the rest of my life. Ms. O’Connor and I have developed a very strong relationship and she is someone who is always there for me and always willing to talk.
What are you most looking forward to about attending Duke?
In my coming years at Duke University I look forward to playing football with and against some of the best competition in the country. I am also excited to meet and learn from some of the most accomplished and insightful people in the world.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspirations are my parents, Sonja and Peter. Both my parents and their accomplishments are everyday reminders to me of how far someone can go in life if they are hard working and kind. My parents motivate me everyday to be the best I can be and are the reason for all the success I have had in my life.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
I want to someday learn to play the guitar. I played the violin for seven years and developed a passion for music, but the guitar is definitely an instrument I want to learn one day.
What's one thing people may not know about you?
Do you have a hidden talent?
I make the best guacamole you will ever taste.
If you could give one piece of advice to a kindergartener who wants to play football, what would it be?
I would tell them to always try their hardest because playing football doesn’t last forever,but also to enjoy every moment of it because it goes by fast and playing football will always be some of the best times of your life.