Thornton Academy Postscripts Alumni Magazine Fall 2019 | Page 6

A
WINNING
SPIRIT:
Marc Cote ’91
Exemplified the True
Meaning of Victory
ach school day, a steady stream of students walk
through the doors of Thornton Academy’s atrium.
Whether coming or going, each one steps beneath
the Victory Bell and past a plaque placed at eye
level in the bricks. It reads, “Patience, perseverance, and
sacrifice are your path to success. Embrace the journey. In
loving memory of Marc Cote, Class of 1991.” The plaque,
a gift from Marc’s family to honor his life and legacy, is
simple and unassuming, but its message is poignant—
especially to those who knew him.
E
Marc’s sister, Paula Cote Scully ’89, remembers how
incredible and exhausting her brother’s wake was. “For five
straight hours it was a constant stream. I don’t think I sat
down once...so many people and so many stories.” Marc
was beloved, admired, and respected by many, having
overcome tremendous odds to achieve his goals and live a
life of meaning. He passed away at the age of 30, ten years
after sustaining a traumatic spinal cord injury during his
sophomore year in college.
Due to his injury, Marc was unable to move his body from
the chest down. He travelled to a rehabilitation hospital in
Denver, Colorado that specializes in spinal cord and head
injuries. From the moment he arrived he was determined
to regain independence, and adamant that he would not be
confined to his room. Paula recalls how clear he was about
the importance of freedom and mobility. Throughout his
healing journey, Marc stayed committed to his goal of
independence, and to fulfilling his dreams of working in
sports management.
His physicians described him as an anomaly, ever
surprised by how well he functioned, despite his level of
injury. Witnessing her brother overcome challenge after
challenge helped Paula truly appreciate the concept of
mind over matter. “He fought to get his wrist movement
back through rehab so he could drive... he just kept telling
us, ‘I am not going to let this define me.’ ” Figuring out a
way to overcome obstacles while staying positive and kind
is what most people remember about Marc. But he showed
these qualities long before he got hurt.
Marc dons the Maroon and Gold before
a football game in Hill Stadium.
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Story by Katie Beane · Photos Courtesy of Paula Cote Scully
Marc was an All-Academic student-athlete, and he gave
the teams he played for everything he had, especially his
fellow Trojan football players. While Coach Agreste may
not have named him the MVP, Paula remembers him
commenting on Marc’s love for the game. “He said he
wished Marc’s heart was in every player on his team. No
matter what, Marc showed up for practice; he got tackled,
picked himself back up, and did it again... he cheered
people on and gave them courage.”