Faith Academy quarterback Rich Coleman is leader on and off the field

JENNIFER FIERRO • STAFF WRITER

MARBLE FALLS — Faith Academy of Marble Falls senior Rich Coleman is so much more than a student-athlete.

Sports fans know him as the football team’s starting quarterback, the basketball team’s point guard, a sprinter and long jumper on the track-and-field squad and a member of the tennis team.

In addition, he’s a member of the academy’s chapter of the National Honor Society and Interact, which is a Rotary Club for high school students, and a member of Senior Servant Leaders, a club in its first year at the academy. The servant leaders help organize and lead the high school and junior high retreat and are more involved in chapel services.

And after practices, Coleman tutors students.

But unless someone specifically asks about those activities, Coleman doesn’t bring them up. And that doesn’t surprise assistant athletic director Randy Denton, who also is the head football, basketball and baseball coach.

“He’s really a classy guy,” Denton said. “He’s a humble guy. He’s a great leader on and off the field. He works hard.”

And though Coleman has enjoyed more success with the tennis team as the Flames have won state team titles, his favorite sport is football.

“The games, the energy, the excitement, the time of year,” he said. “The fall is the best time of year.”

In short, he said, no words can describe the feeling of playing under the Friday night lights with a group of athletes who have given up their August to train to get ready for the upcoming season.

“When there’s success in plays, it’s a good feeling,” Coleman said. “There’s nothing like it.”

Coleman’s closest friend on the team is center Clay Cozby. The two have been best friends since the fifth grade and are doubles partners in tennis.

Cozby picked up a racket in the eighth grade when Coleman convinced him to give it a shot.

“We were short of players in junior high,” Coleman said. “He did like it, we had fun with it. I trust him.”

That trust is what makes it easier for the quarterback and the center. Coleman said the average fan might not appreciate the importance of that bond because it goes beyond two players doing their jobs. For Coleman and Cozby, the two also provide leadership, though the quarterback noted many of the seniors also fill that role. They try to help set the tone for practices and games.

Taking an offseason wasn’t an option for Coleman. He took private lessons from former Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer during the summer in preparation for this season. Once football wraps, he’ll play basketball and then split his time on the tennis court and the track during the spring.

This season, Coleman is playing football for new coach Denton.

“He brings more energy with a younger coaching staff,” the senior said. “I know him personally pretty well.”

One of Coleman’s most impressive traits is what makes him an effective quarterback, Denton said.

“He stays calm, he doesn’t lose his head in pressure situations,” he said. ”He’s cool under pressure, and he’s respected.”

The Flames are still searching for their first win. And while it would be easy to simply go through the motions, Coleman said that’s not the case.

“We definitely have to find rhythm on offense,” he said. “We’re close. We’re perfecting our blocking. We’re finishing our games strong; now we just need to finish them fast. We need to start with a lead instead of trailing early. We have to keep our heads up and move forward.”

But no matter how this year ends, Coleman said it has been an honor to represent Faith Academy.

“People judge Faith Academy by what they see,” he said. “We are a reflection of the school. Everything I do is a reflection. If someone sees my actions, I want them reflected well on this school.”

jfierro@thepicayune.com