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.