“It’s frightening a little bit. I came out there and tried to give him the best match. He pretty much ruled the mat most of the time.”
The message Ross coach Rich Dunn wants his wrestlers to learn this season is this: Losing is better than winning when it comes to learning.
In those two minutes on the mat Coleman learned plenty. Snyder, the Ohio State University legend, worked with Coleman on ankle picks. It’s one of the areas Coleman has looked to improve as he opens defense of his state title in the 285-pound weight class. In addition, Coleman has increased his stamina by running one to two miles every day and going live with tougher competition to prepare for six-minute matches.
“I approach every match as a big match. But going against a guy like (Snyder) and not doing horribly is a huge confidence boost,” Coleman said.
“Since the title I’ve been training even harder because I know everyone is going to be gunning to beat me. … (Winning state) is a bit of a confidence boost but more of a target on my head.”
Coleman’s state title brought additional attention from colleges, too. He’ll find out in January if he’s accepted into the United States Air Force Academy. Wisconsin and Kent State are also in the running.
Coleman claimed the program’s first wrestling state championship following his 10-7 victory over Girard then-senior Jack DelGarbino, who entered 28-0 and ranked ninth in the nation by Intermat. Coleman’s stunning victory capped off his 49-3 season. He pinned his first three state opponents in a combined 6 minutes, 34 seconds.
Every opponent this season will want to say they knocked off a defending state champion. The waiting line to wrestle Coleman actually starts in the Ross wrestling room.
“I’ve had a lot of guys, even lighter guys, trying to get on the mat with me to know what it’s like to wrestle a state champ,” Coleman said. “We’re really looking forward to the season. It feels great to be in a leadership role.”
Added coach Dunn: “You’ve got a little bit of aura around you. Any time we go a scrimmage everyone is watching you. It feels a little special.”
Prior to last season’s state title Ross had 21 wrestlers stand atop the state podium with finishes ranging from third to eighth. Coleman was the first to stand atop the podium and the first to reach a state finals match. Both Coleman and Dunn credit those wrestlers’ success for helping the Rams.
“Another thing I think it did for the program, it kind of validated all the guys who came before,” Dunn said. “We’ve had several guys who have been top notch and when you get to the state tournament … if just one thing had gone the other way they would have been the state champ.
“You’re part of this. You can share in the fact we got a guy up there and we got you a champ.”
10 Wrestlers To Watch
Alex Coleman, senior, Ross: Won Rams first individual state title with D-II victory at 285; went 49-3 overall.
John Doyle, senior, Lakota West: Made a run at district with sixth at 113 to finish season 20-18.
Alex Epstein, senior, Lakota East: Finished sixth at D-I district meet with 35-7 record at 138.
Gage Johnson, senior, Franklin: Looks for return trip to D-II state meet after qualifying at 170; went 32-9 last season.
Luke Marsh, sophomore, Lebanon: Qualified for state at 138 pounds and capped season at 39-11.
Caleb Thomas, junior, Monroe: D-II state qualifier at 106 went 40-8 last season.
Andrew Newkirk, senior, Fairfield: Greater Miami Conference champ at 113 pounds last season; went 32-11 and finished fifth at district meet.
Devin Oligee, junior: Madison: Scored a podium finish at D-III state meet with sixth at 170; went 48-4 to give him 93 career wins. Teammate Quincy Brown (195) is nine wins away from 100.
Justin Ritchie, senior, Carlisle: Enters season 41 wins away from 100, which is reachable considering he went 33-7 last season to reach D-II state tournament at 126.
Tyler Woods, junior, Franklin: Qualified for the D-II state meet at 126 pounds and finished season 35-11.
Key Dates
Glenn Sample Coaches Classic Tournament: Dec. 21-22, Harrison High School
Greater Miami Valley Wrestling Association holiday tournament: Dec. 27-28, Vandalia Butler Student Activity Center
OHSAA team dual state tournament: Feb. 16 at St. John Arena, Ohio State University
Sectional tournament: Feb. 28-29 at various sites
District tournament: March 6-7 at various sites
OHSAA individual state tournament: March 13-15 at Schottenstein Center, Ohio State University
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