Ellis Coleman

Oak Park’s Ellis Coleman has overcome a difficult childhood to become one of the top wrestlers in the state.
(Jerry Daliege/Pioneer Press)

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Q: You are 44-0 going into the state finals and have school records for victories and pins. What are your goals?

A: To dominate my competition. To win state is my biggest goal. But I don’t want to just win, I want to dominate. I want to wrestle as hard as I can in all my matches.

Q: What do you remember about last year’s state meet?

A: The same thing happened as a sophomore (fifth at 112) and junior (third at 125). After a takedown, I was thrown on my back. I panicked. I used to be scared in big matches. But I learned a lesson. I know I trained harder than anyone. There is no reason to panic. I am mentally prepared.

Q: Explain your difficult childhood.

A: I grew up in Humboldt Park. My father wasn’t in my life. He was involved with drugs. My stepfather also was into drugs. But he got me into sports, before he went to jail. My mother moved to Oak Park and raised me and my older brother, Lillashawn [a freshman at Meramec College in Missouri].

Q: How has wrestling changed your life?

A: Every aspect has made me a better person. It made me a harder worker and gave me discipline. I don’t know where I’d be without my mentors, coach [Mike] Powell and coach Lou [Dan Bragaw]. Along with my mom, they are my heroes. They have put my life together.

Q: You pinned 36 opponents this season and were taken down only twice. How good are you?

A: No one in the 135-pound division scares me. The only person who can beat me is myself. I feel I am at a higher level than anyone else in the state.

Q: You committed to Northern Michigan. Why not Iowa, Iowa State, Oklahoma State or a more high-profile program?

A: Because Greco-Roman is my passion. I won the national title as a sophomore and was second last year. I enjoy it more than freestyle. I want to go to the Olympics in Greco-Roman. And Northern Michigan [in Marquette] is the site of the Olympic training center for Greco-Roman.

Q: If you could wrestle one person for the world championship, who would he be?

A: Tony Ramos of Glenbard North. He beat me as a freshman and sophomore at state. We didn’t wrestle against each other as a junior or senior. Now I’m at 135 and he’s at 125. I feel I can beat him now for sure.

Q: What does it take to be a great wrestler?

A: You have to be dedicated, do more than other wrestlers, put in more time. You have to have poise and flexibility. It is underrated. Strength is overrated. Flexibility can give you an edge.

Q: My friends don’t know ...

A: My favorite television show is ‘‘Grey’s Anatomy.’’

Q: Pre-match meal?

A: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. After weigh-in, I eat three or four and end up eating seven or eight during the day.

Q: Toughest thing about making weight?

A: Not eating food you crave, like a burrito steak sandwich or a gyro sandwich and drinking pop.

Q: Someday, I hope people will say I’m as good as ...

A: Everybody usually says Dan Gable. But I’d pick Brent Metcalf of Iowa [the defending NCAA champion at 149]. He has lost only one match in his career. He is the Dan Gable of his era.

Q: If they make a movie about you, who should play you?

A: Rampage Jackson, my favorite UFC fighter.