‘Cole’s Pack’ greets West Liberty school shooting victim

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

A community and school came together Friday to celebrate a brave local teen — who survived being shot twice at school.

Logan Cole spent weeks in the hospital after the shooting inside a bathroom at West Liberty-Salem High School.

On Friday before the boys’ basketball game, the student body donned T-shirts reading “Cole’s Pack” — it’s also a play on words for the company ColePak Inc. that his family owns.

“He is a hero in all our minds,” said Kraig Hissong, district superintendent. “His attitude is unbelievable I think that’s the word I’ve used several times now.”

MORE: West Liberty suspect asked victim to shoot him, report says’

Authorities said Cole, 16, was shot in the chest and side at the school Jan. 20. He underwent heart surgery in the beginning of February and recently started back to school.

Authorities have since arrested 17-year-old Ely Serna. He is charged with multiple crimes including two counts of attempted murder. His case is paused in Champaign County Juvenile Court as a competency hearing is taking place.

“(Logan Cole) is one of the most humbling and forgiving men that I know,” said Jake Vitt, athletic director. “It just shows how much of an icon Logan has become to them. He truly is their hero. He stepped in front of the line for the rest of the student body.”

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