VIDALIA — Most high school athletes can only dream of being a four-year starter on the varsity level.

Yet, for Vidalia High School’s Cole Cangemi, it wasn’t just a dream, but an obligation.

Cangemi is in the midst of his senior season where he remains a starter after three successful seasons in a starting role.

“That was my dad’s (Paul) and my dream since I was a kid,” Cangemi said of being a four-year starter. “When me and my dad first started (working), we had (the mindset) that we’re going to do this, and we’re going to be great at it.”

Cangemi serves multiple roles for the Vikings, including shortstop in addition to taking the mound as one of their top pitchers.

“He’s a great kid, and you would like to have nine of them,” Vidalia coach Kale Davis said. “He’s a kid that’s played a lot of baseball. He leads by example and doesn’t complain he just shows up every day, whether that’s in the field or on the mound.”

In addition to his roles in the field, Cangemi also serves as one of the top hitters, where he typically slots in a run-producing position as the team’s No. 3 batter.

“He came in as freshman and held his own,” Davis said. “He swings a pretty good bat. He doesn’t strike out, and he keeps a good approach. He’s always ready to make something positive happen.”

Cangemi is just one of a handful of senior contributors that make up a solid senior class.

“All my seniors are (great), Davis said. “It’s been a blessing to have a good group of seniors.”

Cangemi attributed the solid senior class to a bond developed after having played together for years.

“We’ve grown up all our life playing baseball together,” Cangemi said. “We’re kind of like brothers, and it’s a family relationship.”

Baseball, however, is not everything to Cangemi, as education has always come first.

“Education is everything,” Cangemi said. “Coach (Davis) always told me that I’m a student before I’m an athlete. I’ve got to be great in (the classroom) before I can be great (on the field).”

As an outgoing senior, Cangemi’s next school plans lie in Ruston, La., where he plans to attend Louisiana Tech and study chemical or industrial engineering.

The reason for such a difficult field of study boils down to one looming factor for Cangemi.

“It makes a lot of money,” he said with a laugh.

Although he plans to move in pursuing his college career, Cangemi doesn’t plan on being away from his hometown for too long.

“This is where I grew up and where I plan to have my kids grow up, too,” Cangemi said. “It’s a great place, and it will always be home to me.”