Cole to be named Mercer AD today

Rep. Jim Cole will be named athletics director at Mercer University at a news conference set for later today.He will continue to serve in the legislature -at least to completion of his current term of office.Over the weekend, he turned down an opportunity to be appointed Georgia Secretary of State.Cole, 38, is a Mercer alum, attending on an academic and athletic scholarship. He played baseball as a pitcher at Mercer and was chosen by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 27th round of the 1993 baseball draft, but suffered a career-ending injury.