West’s Coleman achieves goals on field, in class, in community

FLORENCE—Offensive linemen are often the most unheralded players on a football team, giving a lot without expecting a lot of recognition in return.

The same could be said for West Florence’s John Coleman in more aspects than just football.

The Knights’ senior tackle is well-known for his commitment to football, garnering a full scholarship offer to attend Duke next season as one of the top linemen in the state.

What might not be known is his commitment to his surrounding area through charity work and community service.

A lot of community service.

“I think my mom and dad and I sat down and figured out that I have over 400 hours of community service since ninth grade,” Coleman said. “Per week, I probably do about two or three hours.

“I don’t do as much during football season, obviously.”

The number of hours surprised even his coach.

“I didn’t really know how much he was involved in until about two years ago,” West Florence coach Trey Woodberry said. “I got an invitation to attend his Eagle Scout ceremony, and heard him talk about all that he had to do to earn that honor.”

Eagle Scout and more

In the sixth grade, Coleman joined the Boys Scouts, and by the time he was in 10th grade, earned the opportunity to try for their highest honor of becoming an Eagle Scout.

“It was something really special to me, because I think only about one in 300 people have that honor,” Coleman said. “So it was definitely something I wanted to do.”

To become an Eagle Scout, Coleman had to perform a project involving 40-50 hours of community service. For his project, Coleman decided to build picnic tables for the Presbyterian Home of South Carolina, a continued care retirement community.

“A friend of mine had done some work out there, and I was in contact with them and they told me they needed some work done,” Coleman said. “We got together and got it done.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be an Eagle Scout. It makes you hold yourself accountable and hold yourself to a high standard.”

Coleman’s work doesn’t stop there, either. A member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Coleman has been involved with a number of church projects and activities within the church.

He’s also a part of West Florence’s “Knight Readers” program, where West football players read to first and second graders once a week at local elementary schools.

All while maintaining a 4.3 grade point average, which places him in the top five percentile of his class.

“Sometimes it’s kind of hard to balance everything,” Coleman said. “You just have to set your priorities and make sure you take care of things.

“All of these organizations that I’m involved with have given me so much, I don’t make mind giving something back at all.”

Football footwork

Coleman also began playing football in the sixth grade, and always had the potential for playing at the next level, Woodberry said.

“When John came in, he was a basketball player,” Woodberry said. “He was always big, but he was kind of lanky back then. We knew he had the ability to play in college, we just didn’t know if size-wise it was going to be at tight end or tackle.”

But a commitment to the weight room helped steer him in the right direction. After starting out as a 200-pound freshman, Coleman bulked up to a 270-pound senior.

“He really worked himself into being a top lineman,” Woodberry said. “His quickness and footwork has a lot to do with that. All the scouts immediately point to his footwork as being a big positive for him.”

“It’s just something you have to work on,” Coleman said. “You try and make yourself do the little things that help you become a better player.”

Carolina reward

Earlier this week, Coleman’s combination of community service and football prowess helped him earn a very special honor as one of the Carolina Panthers’ 10 Community Captains.

All Community Captains will receive a personalized jersey and be recognized during an on-field ceremony during the Panthers’ Dec. 14 game against the Denver Broncos.

Coleman will also have the opportunity to participate in select Panthers community outreach events.

“We I got the application out of my mailbox, John was the first person who came to mind,” Woodberry said. “After I had already out the forms for John, (West principal) Pam Quick came by and said I should nominate John.

“It shows what kind of person John is that we both thought of him first.”

For Coleman, who grew up a South Carolina fan and an avid watcher of college football, Dec. 14 will be the first NFL game he has ever attended.

“I’ve always pulled for the Panthers, so this is an awesome opportunity,” Coleman said. “It’s always nice to be recognized for the work you put in and to be able to walk out on the field at an NFL stadium in front of that many people is quite and honor.

“... I guess it just goes to show that good things will happen if you work hard to make them happen.”