Vincent Coleman Tackles The Upcoming Wrestling Season
ZANESVILLE, OH - Winter has arrived, and with it, the start of wrestling season at Zanesville High School. Inside the gym, the buzz of preparation is palpable as the team sharpens its skills and builds momentum. Among the group is Vincent Coleman, a sophomore wrestler who’s redefining what it means to compete against the odds.
“We’re starting to pick up a little bit, starting to get things down,” senior wrestler Christian Ramirez shared. “It’s always exciting to wrestle.”
That excitement is shared by Coleman, who’s gearing up for what he hopes will be a standout season. “I’m feeling very excited. I feel like it’s going to be a good season,” Coleman said. “From last year, we just got new coaches. They also learned a lot. Training is going to be a lot harder this year.”
Head coach Jason Dille is leading the charge with a focused and intense training approach. “This year’s training is definitely more intense than last year,” he said. “I really wanted to take our team even further. To make those changes, we’ve got to change the way we train. We’ve got to work harder, work longer, put in more effort. We’re seeing good results.”
In the midst of this preparation is Coleman, whose story sets him apart. Born without legs, Coleman has approached wrestling with a determination that’s as inspiring as it is formidable. “Well, since I have a disadvantage, it’s been difficult. Sooner or later, I find ways to overcome that,” he said.
Last season, Coleman’s performance was nothing short of impressive. With an 18-13 record and 35 takedowns, he even qualified for the District Tournament. His success as a freshman has drawn respect from his teammates.
“After a second-year kid coming in, a third-year kid coming in, and having success as a freshman... it’s hard wrestling 18-year-olds,” Ramirez said.
For Coleman, what might seem like a disadvantage becomes an edge. “Yeah, it catches them off guard because they don’t have nothing to grab onto,” he said. “It makes it easier for me to take them down, wrestle them.”
His work ethic and attitude haven’t gone unnoticed. “Vince is a hard-working person. He does what you ask him to, doesn’t complain about it, and does it to the best of his ability,” Ramirez added.
Coach Dille had similar praise: “Vince is a great wrestler. Vince is one of our best wrestlers on the team regardless of what weight class or what he does. He has that fire, that intensity, and that passion. You better watch out. When Vince gets on the mat, it is his mat. His mindset is ‘destroy.’ He is going to win every match.”
Coleman’s goals for the season reflect his determination. “I’ve got a lot of stuff planned. I’m gonna set boundaries, and I’m gonna accomplish what I set out there to do. I’m going to achieve my goals of becoming a state qualifier,” he said.
With his first match at Logan on December 10th, Coleman’s journey continues. His drive and passion not only inspire his teammates but also remind the Zanesville community of what’s possible when perseverance meets opportunity. This season, all eyes are on Vincent Coleman—and for good reason.
