Dec. 15, 2006: Tooele-Transcript Bulletin

New Coach to Return Winning Tradition to Buff Grapplers
by Steve Schwartzman

Just south of the main gym at Tooele High School, you'll find the THS wrestling facility. Every school day, up until around 5 p.m., you'll see near 60 exhausted students who are dirty, drenched with sweat, and with arms full of their opponent, ready to give up after hours of muscle-crunching work.

But they don't give up.

They can't.

Because coach Gary Coffman is in the middle of it all, watching every move, hearing every sound, making his athletes the best they can be.

"What motivates me is that these kids want to improve," says Coffman. "They want to get better and work harder, and they seem to do that when I'm right there under them."

Coffman has been involved in wrestling for over two decades, beginning competition for Tooele High for three years in high school. Coffman then moved on to compete for Northwest Community college and Mesa College. He has been in charge of the youth wrestling program in Tooele for over eight years, including aiding in Tooele Jr. High School wrestling and assisting Richard Valdez for the THS wrestling team. This is his first experience as a head coach in wrestling.

"Getting this job is something I have strived for," says Coffman, "I have always loved Tooele High School, and I want to bring a state championship back here and get our name and prestige back."

Coach Coffman has kept his ties close to Tooele. He coached former four-time UHSAA state champion Andrew Hochstrasser, and has devoted time from his painting business to teach children in wrestling and give them a sense of care. "We just want to teach the kids about the sport and help them out in any way, whether it be shoes or simple technique, it's nice for them to know they are cared about and that somebody is there to help them along."

One of the largest assets to physical success, Coffman believes, is that of team unity. In his eyes, bringing back the team aspect will bring back the history of wrestling in Tooele High. One way he has established this unity has come from workouts, where, at times, he himself will participate with the team to keep them on the same level.

"I think being with the team builds friendship," Coffman says. "The way I see it, you need to be a leader and you also need to be their friend. From there, you know they'll trust you and it will bring everyone together and build the success we strive for."

As you may hear from him, Coach Coffman's largest goal is to bring the name of Tooele back into the wrestling mix, and as much as the team puts into it, he says, the THS fan base can do the same.

"We usually get about 50 people out to watch our matches," says Coffman, "I'd like to see a few more hundred here to support us. I want the school to be excited about our new program. I can easily see two or three state champions coming out of here and they should be recognized for it."

Overall, aside from success and prestige, Coffman is happy to make his return to his alma mater simply for the love of the sport.

"Wresting is a great sport and these kids know it. I hope all can come and support us in a great season."

Coffman replaces former head wresting coach Codie Miller.

The Buffs edged the Weber JV, 40-37 Nov. 30 at Bonneville High. Jimmy Searle (119), Chris Heaps (125), Daniel Goode (145), Austin Hansen (160), Kent Heder (189) and Isaac Brown (215) all captured wins.

Tooele also produced a 70-9 triumph over Granger last Tuesday. Brayden Torgensen (103), Tyler Hendrickson (112), Jake Golden (119), Josh Austin (130), Jesse Bissegger (135), Daniel Goode (140), Zeb Hansen (145), Monte Schmalhaus (152), Austin Hansen (160), Jake Foster (171), Chisolm Woolley (189) and Isaac Brown (215) all seized victories over Lancer foes.