SoCal student off to ASU as college starts in a coronavirus era

LOS ANGELES - Cole Teglas will hit the road on Saturday on his way to college out of state. The 18 year old from West Hills, California is following in his father's footsteps and attending Arizona State University.

About attending college during the coronavirus pandemic Cole says "obviously it is scary." He feels ASU has done as much as possible to make sure "we're healthy." Cole has always wanted to be a Sun Devil as his father is an active Alum.

Among the changes, no visitors in residence halls, no social gatherings on campus, mandatory masks, and take-out food only in dining halls.

With the pandemic, ASU is offering some classes in person with social distancing measures in place. Cole says two of his classes are in person, the rest on-line.  He'll be living in a residence hall with three roommates on campus at Barrett Honors College.

Cole was a high school athlete at Chaminade College Preparatory School in West Hills, a private Catholic school. He played baseball and was a school ambassador.  He one day would like to go to law school and become a sports or entertainment agent.

His dad Stephen, an ASU alum, says he can't wait. He says his son will "have a great time" but admits, with no fall football he'll miss visiting and going to a game together. With the virus his son has already missed graduation, prom, and a summer trip to Europe with friends. Stephen says kids these days are resilient. He's confident ASU has the same safety measures in place that Cole has at home.

Arizona State University starts classes on Wednesday. Both of Arizona's other two major universities, Northern Arizona University and University of Arizona are also offering in-person classes. The Pac-12 conference announced earlier this week that there would be no fall football season due to Covid-19.

(In full disclosure, Christine Devine is an ASU alum and on the Board of Trustees)