Oswego East student-athlete of the week-Robbie Coleman

Oswego IL

15 October, 2021

11:48 AM

Description

Senior Robbie Coleman did not fit into the defensive plans for the Wolves coming into the season. Transferring in from Plainfield South, the football staff knew very little about Robbie. However, that changed very quickly as Robbie not only emerged as one of the defensive leaders for the Wolves but impressed his teammates so much he was voted team captain, despite having only been a member of the program for 2 months. Robbie's leadership and relentlessness in doing everything possible to be the best player and person he can be are why he is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week. Robbie has always had a passion for football. "I started playing in 3rd grade and always found it fun. It become a goal every year I played to play at the next level," says Robbie. After his junior year at Plainfield South, Robbie transferred in and started practicing with the Wolves during summer camp, making an immediate impact on both his coaches and teammates. "Robbie is very easy-going and personable," says Dan Dunbar, defensive coordinator for the Wolves. He goes on to add, "He immediately fit in with the team, created friendships, and earned the respect of his teammates. By the end of the summer, the team voted him as one of our captains. He works as hard as anyone and his dedication to football shows." During summer camp, Robbie found a natural fit as a middle linebacker for the Wolves, making plays all over the field. Due to team needs, Robbie was asked to switch from linebacker to defensive end, something he not only willingly accepted but has since excelled. Defensive line coach Pat Molinari has relished the opportunity to coach Robbie daily, saying, "Robbie switched positions because of the need for him as a defensive lineman, and has worked relentlessly to be as good as he is right now." Pat adds, "Robbie is easily one of the best practice players I have ever worked with. He brings the same mentality to practice as he does to the games. That type of leadership is hard to come by." Robbie's effort, consistency, and skill have helped the defensive unit for the Wolves be at the top of the SPC in most defensive categories, a position the Wolves have grown accustomed to. The Wolves are currently 6-1 and play crosstown rival Oswego tonight, hoping to jump to the top of the division standings and win the school's first conference championship. Robbie's journey was almost derailed due to a severe ACL tear his sophomore year. However, rather than feel bad for himself and hang his head, Robbie used it as motivation and a different perspective on life and football. "I've had the game taken away from me so I always try and remind myself that tomorrow isn't promised, so you need to be thankful for what you have and play each play like it could be your last." Daleena Coleman, Robbie's mom, remembers just how much of an impact the injury had in turning Robbie into the person and athlete he has become, saying, "Robbie took the path less traveled and I can remember taking him to LA Fitness while he was on crutches and loading his weights for his upper body." She goes on to add, "He met people daily at that gym that shared their stories of injuries and struggles with him, which in turn helped fuel his path to recovery." The ability to overcome obstacles is what makes Robbie's father, Rob Coleman, so proud of him, saying, "His work ethic is by far one of the best I've ever seen, and I'm by far more proud of the person he has become than the athlete." He goes on to say, "His vision of success in the weight room has helped define him as both a person and an athlete, but will be priceless in terms of his future as a person, regardless of what field he chooses as a career." Robbie's goal is to play college football and based on what he has produced on the field and the person he is, there is little doubt there will be many opportunities to showcase his talents at the collegiate level. His passion for training and experience overcoming injuries has interested him in a future career as either a strength coach or athletic trainer. Ryan Velasquez, Robbie's health teacher, thinks Robbie will excel in either, saying, "Robbie knows the value of being a student-athlete and his motivation to excel in the classroom I believe will help him be successful in any future career field." His Physical Education Excel teacher, Jeremy Hillman, believes the same, saying, "Robbie's work ethic sets him apart from most students in his class. Working out and training are things Robbie excels at, and his knowledge and willingness to learn and work on his technique have improved his overall physical fitness. He has a very high ceiling on his potential." Before Robbie moves on to bigger things, he and the Wolves have a couple of weeks left to achieve their goals of being a conference champion and making a deep run in the state playoffs. Having attended three different high schools, Robbie has found his comfort zone here at East, and despite having only been a Wolf for the past 3 months, he advises future Wolves by saying, "Make sure to have fun and make smart choices, because you only get one shot at high school and you have to make the best of it." Robbie and the Wolves are hoping that fun continues as they take on crosstown rival Oswego tonight in hopes of standing atop the SPC.