Despite knee injury,
Kozole still an asset

By Joe Mason
Times Sports Editor

Chris Kozole’s college career has had its ups and downs.
Two years ago as a sophomore, the Holy Family University point guard helped get the Alfred Johnson coaching era rolling.
Despite entering the year without much college basketball experience, Kozole, who was a deep reserve during his freshman year, was penciled in as the starter and he helped the Tigers compile a 14-15 record.
Sure, that’s a down year for the storied program, but the team was in transition from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Also, they were under the guidance of a first year head coach and the team was starting a pair of sophomores — Kozole and shooting guard Ryan Haigh.
The record was disappointing, but the growth was encouraging.
Then in his junior campaign, Kozole helped lead the Tigers to a 19-11 record. He improved, both as a player and a leader.
And he was poised to have a solid senior season.
Then, it all ended in an instant.
"I went up to block a shot and I came down on my leg," said Kozole, a star at Archbishop Ryan High School who led the Raiders to the Catholic League championship game in 2002, his senior campaign. "I actually said right away, ‘That’s it, I’m done for the year.’ But I went back out and I couldn’t move side to side.
"The doctors told me right away it was bad," Kozole said.
The bad news was a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a torn meniscus.
And Kozole’s initial diagnosis was correct — it ended his senior year and college career just eight games in.
"It’s tough, real tough," said Kozole, who was averaging better than 11 points and five rebounds per game before the accident.
But Kozole the end of his playing days isn’t stopping him from being an important part of the team.
He still goes to practices.
He’s more than willing to offer advice to his teammates and discuss possible offensive and defensive schemes.
And he also does his best to root on the Tigers.
"I still go to the practices and the games, but sometimes it’s tough. I still support them and do whatever I can, they’re still my teammates so I want to be there for them. But it is tough."
It might be tough for Kozole, but it’s working wonders for the Tigers.
In fact, he’s currently serving as a mentor-of-sorts to current starting point guard, senior Hazin Harris.
"Like I’ll do what I can to help out, but at the same time I don’t want to be all over him," Kozole said of Harris. "He’s a good player, a real good point guard.
"I’ll point stuff out to him if I see something on the court, but I want him to play his game," Kozole continued. "I always talk with him, but he knows what he’s doing. He doesn’t need me to tell him what to do."
While Kozole’s guidance might not be needed, it’s certainly helpful and more than appreciated.
"Chris and Ryan have been the heart and soul of this team since I’ve been here," Johnson said. "When he went down, it was just devastating.
"He is such an integral part of what we do as a basketball team," he continued. "I really think Chris is one of the top 10 point guards in Division II basketball. That says a lot."
Kozole’s importance to the team is evident by the standings.
With him in the lineup, the Tigers won seven of its first eight games of the season.
Without him, the Tigers have won just three of their past nine games.
That’s how significant he is.
"A lot of our success was dependant on Chris," Johnson said. "It hurts our team to play without him, but it also hurts to see his season and career end.
"He definitely deserves better," he said. "He’s one of the few players I’ve coached who can make everyone around him a better player. That says a lot about a point guard."
But don’t shed any tears for Kozole.
Sure, he’s playing days might be over, but he has a strong future ahead.
He plans to graduate in December with a degree in market management.
Ideally, he’d love to open his own business someday, but after graduation, he’ll be content with getting some experience with a regular job.
Also, he’s been living the athletic dream since entering Ryan.
He’s played in big games, was a first-team All-Catholic selection as a senior, and finished in the top three of the most valuable player balloting.
And since arriving at Holy Family, he’s played a huge part in reviving the men’s basketball program. He’s also participated in plenty of big games and even went to Hawaii at the start of the season for a tournament.
Yes, he’s not experiencing the storybook ending to his career, but he’s had a great time.
"It’s sad that it’s ending this way, but I’ve had a really great career," he said. "Holy Family was the perfect place for me. I really love it here.
"I got to play and I hope I contributed," he continued. "Plus I got to meet a lot of people that I already knew. Holy Family has a lot of guys from the (Philadelphia Catholic League) Northern Division, so I knew of a lot of these guys as opponents. Now they’re some of my best friends. That’s one of the really good things about it."
And despite the hard luck associated with the injury, it did help him discover a new passion.
"I really never thought about it before, but coaching would be something I’d be interested in," Kozole said. "I wouldn’t mind going back to Ryan and helping out if they needed anything.
"I think I’ve learned more about the game," he said. "It’s hard watching, but you do pick up little things." ••
Sports editor Joe Mason can be reached at 215-354-3035 or jmason@phillynews.com