Athlete of the Month: Coleman holds down the lines for the Mariners
October 1, 2009
The lights shine onto the field, the crowd quiet with deep anticipation, the stage set for the home opener of Moreau football. While the team hyped themselves up in the locker room with movement and chatter, number 58 chooses another direction.
“I like to keep to myself.” Senior Joe Coleman said, as he listened to various songs on his iPod away from the rest of the team. “I get myself mentally focused on the game from the time I wake up to the end of the game.” Coleman, a third-year varsity player and captain, displays his skills and leadership qualities that are respected by both players and coaches alike.
“He is a leader that represents the team both on and off the field.” Head coach Andrew Cotter said.
“Coleman brings a sense of power and strength, which he can use to lead by example.” Junior Brenden Nugent said.
Players that are usually on the same side of the field as Coleman get a chance to challenge him at practice.
“When you go up against him, you know you have to work hard” Senior Kendrick Kho said.
It’s surprising to look back how Coleman started out on Mariner football. “He had no work ethic at first.” Sheets said. Coleman started to work hard during his frosh/soph seasons simply by showing up to practices and giving it his all during those times. Together with the discipline taught by the coaching staff, he was able to move quickly to the rank of starting Varsity athlete his Sophomore year.
Coleman’s football career started back in 2002, as both a defensive end and guard for the Pop Warner team, Hayward Lancers. “I learned how to work with other people to accomplish one goal, which was to win” Coleman said. “It also taught me to work hard and be determined to earn starting positions on the team.”
A big part of Coleman’s game is his perseverance on plays that may seem impossible. History teacher and former football coach Jerry Sheets points out the behind-the-scenes effort put forth by Coleman.
“People may not seem him make tackles, but that is only because he is usually double or even triple teamed.” Sheets said. “Even with that pressure, he still manages to get some tackles every game.”
Coleman’s current line coach also realizes the talent that he brings to the team.
“He has physical gifts.” Offensive and defensive line coach Robert Parker said. “He has the ability to dominate over other people.”
Coleman is the only player on the team that plays at both ends, both offensive and defensive. “It’s tiring to play both offense and defense.” Coleman said. “I’m on for basically the entire game.”
The talent that Coleman brings to the team has even earned him the prestigious lineman grade of twelve because of his performance at Richmond. On this particular play, Coleman sweeps around to the weak side and blocks for the running back. He knocks one guy to the ground, and continues on his, seemingly, unstoppable force.
“A good grade is from four to six, but on one play, Coleman manages to take out three of [Richmond’s] team.” Parker said.
This was described by Sheets as possibly his best performance. “He lit people up both defensively and offensively.” Sheets said.
“Football is the biggest portion of my life.” Coleman said. It takes up more time than any sport he plays, since he plays it during the season and throughout the summer. His dedication to the sport is evident in the physical sense, but it delves even deeper within.
“I focus mentally.” Coleman said. “Not only on game day, but also throughout that week.”
Division I schools, such as San Diego State and Oregon, are among the top colleges Coleman is looking to attend next fall. He hopes to continue his football career through college and the rest of his life. Coleman has been talking to college scouts and working hard at various football camps. “I hope I can get good enough to play in the NFL some day.” Coleman said.
Senior Kevin Fernandez sees the potential that Coleman has to further his football career. “He is a very talented football player, that only gets better every year.” Fernandez said.
Coleman, however, described his overall performance modestly. “I just do my job every game.”
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I agree with every thing you said about coleman