A high school wrestler who overcame the loss of his legs is determined to win on the mat
ZANESVILLE, Ohio — There is a respected presence when wrestler Vince Coleman walks into the practice room.
The 106-pound junior from Zanesville, a city approximately 52 miles east of Columbus, impresses teammates and coaches with his competitive determination — despite his physical limitations.
Coleman was born without major bones in his legs and had them amputated when he was 2 years old. He has never let it deter him from becoming one of the area's top lightweights.
He is 20-3 with three tournament titles at Amanda-Clearcreek, Coshocton and Crooksville entering this weekend's Utica Invitational.
"He's a natural leader and brings energy to the room," third-year Zanesville coach Jason Dille said. "His teammates understand how tough his circumstances are, but they follow his lead because of his work ethic. It isn't matched on or off the mat.
"When you ask Vince to jump, he always ask how high," he added. "On match day, he brings his A game every time. He never leaves anything on the mat."
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Finding a competitive outlet
Wrestling was an unknown when Coleman decided to pick up the sport in seventh grade. But the challenge and competition drew him to the mat.
"I wanted to try something new," Coleman said. "I like working hard, and my focus is to be a good competitor. I went to offseason camps and hit the weight room so I'm ready. I love doing this every day."
His coaches, Dille and assistant Zach Boring, have done their part to put Coleman in a position to compete and succeed. The coaches, who wrestled together at Philo, used their knowledge to aid his growth.
"Wrestling is a place where Vince has a level playing field," Dille said. "He has a real passion for the sport, and it provides him a competitive outlet."
Finding ways to utilize Coleman's talent took time, noted Boring. He searched the internet, mainly YouTube, and watched wrestlers in similar circumstances so the coaches could develop a plan and help Coleman reach his potential.
"I watched others to see how they overcame disadvantages like Vince. We wanted to see how he could make up for what he didn't have, while also emphasizing his strengths," Boring said. "We made his upper body solid and strong and worked on making his hips stronger. He has trusted our teaching. He has high expectations, and we wanted to make Vince the best version of himself."
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'He sets the tone' for Zanesville wrestling
His love of the sport and eagerness to learn are among the ways teammates see Coleman's character. It has left an impression on many, which has helped build the program.
This year is the first time the Blue Devils have filled all 14 weight classes during Dille's tenure.
"He leads by example and wants to learn. He also shares his knowledge with other wrestlers in the room," Dille said. "He will text me at night, saying, 'Coach we need to work on this or that' at practice. He's another coach in the room, and he has made the program better."
Coleman embraces any challenge, especially wrestling middle weights in practice. His willingness to push the limits has allowed Coleman to thrive, remarked Dille.
"He's willing to challenge himself and has the skillset needed to succeed," Dille said. "He puts the time in and works all summer to get ready. This fall, he worked out with the football team, running sprints and doing drills to stay in shape. He wanted a different challenge.
"I know it's cliché, but he is the first one in and the last one out," he continued. "His hard work has paid off, and he's on pace to reach 100 wins next season."
Coleman's talent is being recognized at the next level with college coaches reaching out, according to both coaches. His all-around ability and tireless work ethic give Coleman an edge on the mat, but like any wrestler, coaches also provide encouragement.
"He sets the tone for us being the first guy out at every event," Boring said. "His drive and will are amazing, and others feed off his example and leadership. He doesn't complain or back down and outworks everyone in the room. He doesn't quit or give up on himself.
"If he gets down, like after a loss, we're there to bring him back up. We try to restore his mojo, get his confidence back," he added. "We do what we can to make him better. When Jason or myself wrestle him in practice, we go after him hard, make him work. He doesn't want us to take it easy on him, and he likes being pushed."
The work is never done
Coleman has never used his situation as an excuse. Instead, he has found the positive side, relying on what he does well to control his matches.
"Other guys can't shoot me so I use that to my advantage. I wrestle aggressively, trying to set the tone and hit my stuff," he said. "My coaches also push me mentally, helping me stay sharp. They help me correct what I'm doing wrong, but also lift me up when I need it."
With the postseason nearing, Coleman is optimistic about his biggest goal — a trip to the state meet. A disappointing loss in the district tournament last season has Coleman determined to make a trip to Columbus this year.
"I felt I should have won that match, but that loss has driven me," he said. "I'm not worried about rankings or what others are doing. I'm focused on myself and what I can do. I believe I can get there."
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bhannahs@gannett.com; X: @brandonhannahs