Dec.
27, 2007: Tooele-Transcript Bulletin
THS Wrestling Coach's Son Places
First in Reno Tourney
by Dylan Trujillo
Thirteen-year-old Zachary Coffman traveled
to Reno, Nev., last month and competed against other
wrestlers from across the United States. Coffman is the
only Tooele resident to compete in the tournament this
year and came out on top with first place in his weight
division.
"It was tough, but not the toughest,"
Coffman said, who competed in the 120-pound weight
division. The competition was a 16-man bracket. He had to
compete against two wrestlers for the trophy. The final
bout was between him and Ray Lomas from Tracey, Calif.
"My dad was coaching when I was 4 years
old," Coffman said. "I've been wrestling ever since."
His dad is Gary Coffman who is currently
the wrestling coach for Tooele High School.
"He usually competes in 60 or more matches
in a year," Gary said. "His overall record for the year is
somewhere around 50-7."
Zach competes in many different
tournaments including Utah Freestyle and Greco State
Championships, Utah Folkstyle Nationals, Junior High State
Championships, and the Western Regionals. Zach has
competed in the Reno Nationals twice, and went to Reno
Worlds three times.
Zach wrestles hard and wins most of his
matches.
"I just try to stay up and wrestle on my
feet," Zach said. "I want to continue wrestling through
high school and maybe college."
There is definitely a bright future for
this young grappler and a lot of the coaches are looking
forward to have him on the team once he reaches high
school.
"Zach Will be one of the greatest high
school wrestlers in the state, mark my words," said THS
assistant wrestling coach Dean Wilson.
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