Motivated Lc Standout Erik Coleman Applying Athletic Work Ethic To Academic Life So He’S On Track For College Play

OK, let’s get right to the wart.

Erik Coleman’s free ride to Washington State University hasn’t been all smooth sailing, despite all the recognition on the football field.

There’s the matter of grades and test scores.

“He’s very determined; I know he’ll make it,” said Erik’s mother, Cynthia.

That means, don’t worry that Coleman, a standout athlete at Lewis and Clark High School, will lose the football scholarship he signed for last week.

Just like he handled the toughest receivers teams could send at him, he handled the tough question.

“I’m really not that good of a student,” Coleman said.

“I can be, but my g.p.a. is not that high. I was lazy my first two years.

“Coach (John) Hook pounded it in, and I kind of did it myself. I realized how lazy I was and picked it up. I regret it now.”

And just like the few times he got burned as a two-time All-Greater Spokane League defensive back, he learned quickly.

“He tells me if I want to go on after high school, I have to be a good student,” seventh-grade cousin Taurean Jones said. “He says I have to pay attention in class and not fool around.”

Jones listens to Coleman, who led the GSL in interceptions the past two years and last fall was the No. 2 rusher and an all-league running back.

“Grades are probably more important than what you do on the field,” Coleman said. “What are you going to fall back on if you don’t have an education?

“I wished I would have worked harder early so I didn’t have to work so hard now.”

Coleman is used to hard work.

Although he has the natural ability to play at the next level, he hasn’t coasted through high school.

“You can help them get better … but to get to the top level, (the ability) has to be there,” retiring LC football coach John Hook said. “He’s worked real hard to develop that ability.”

Sports has been Coleman’s life.

Or, as his mother said, “He has been an athlete since day one. … He’s very dedicated.

“He has no personal life. Sports is his girlfriend.”

The same is true of brother Erin Coleman, a sophomore.

Cynthia calls herself the boys’ No. 1 cheerleader. The highlight has to be when the announcer at Squinty Hunter Field House announces a Coleman-to-Coleman basket.

Erin’s playing time on the basketball court has increased in recent weeks, and Erik is the point guard and second-leading scorer.

At one time, Erik was also a baseball player but gave it up. Now he says, “I don’t miss it now. I’m scared of the ball. I probably wasn’t any good.”

Coleman became serious about sports when he reached high school and loved it when camps and weight training were required.

“When I was growing up, I was playing sports to have fun, playing with my friends,” he said. “I didn’t really get serious about sports until my freshman year. That’s real competition.”

Even then, though, Coleman didn’t know if a college scholarship was in his future.

Neither did Hook.

“I didn’t really envision (a Division I athlete) until the beginning of his junior year,” Hook said. “It wasn’t until then I thought he was physical enough.

“He has quick feet, great vision and anticipation, and he has an enthusiasm for competition.”

Coleman was born in Sacramento, Calif., but moved to Spokane before he started school. His mother wanted to raise her family here.

Her family was from Spokane but moved to Sacramento when she was young. They moved back before she was a senior, and Cynthia stayed in California.

“I always thought Spokane was a place to retire or raise your kids,” she said. “It’s family oriented.

“There are a lot of opportunities for kids to get involved. … As long as they’re in sports, they’re not into everything else.”

Erik’s father, Arthur Coleman, returned to Sacramento, and his contact with the boys has been minimal, Cynthia Coleman said. That left Cynthia to play taxi.

“It’s been real hard,” Erik said. “You always see guys with their dads. … My mom has been my dad as far as support.

“I really admire my mom for what she has done for us,” he said. “She raised us to be men. I really respect that.

“She sacrificed a lot. I don’t know how to pay her back.”

Then he thought about that scholarship and his goal to work for the FBI.

“One of the ways to repay her is to get an education,” he said.

No question he’ll work for it.