'Maybe it's a blessing in disguise': Sheridan wrestling standout is playing waiting game
THORNVILLE — Coltyn Reedy's life changed on Dec. 23.
It was then that Sheridan's 157-pound junior wrestler suffered a partially torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee at the Larry Remmert Invitational at Glen Hursey Gymnasium.
Already committed to the U.S. Naval Academy, it was a harsh reality — and a horrible Christmas present.
"It's not ideal for me," Reedy said after a workout on Wednesday. "I love to be on the mat competing, but you just have to be patient. I've been on the bike. I can't really run yet."
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Reedy, fourth in Division II last season, said that he will know more about his situation after a doctor visit next week. His coach at Sheridan, Caleb Bennett, said there will be no rushing the process.
"Hopefully in a few weeks we get good news," Bennett said. "If we get him back, great, but he's got too much to look forward to down the road."
Staying the course
Reedy, ranked third in Division II in the latest Borofan predictions, is confident he will be back. The initial diagnosis was a six-week recovery, which would put him on pace to return in February.
"Right now I am just working with the coaches and playing it by ear, and see how it goes," Reedy said. "Hopefully I am back for (the Muskingum Valley League Tournament), but I will do what I can to make sure I am ready for the postseason. It just depends on how it feels."
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It was the latest in an injury-riddled 12 months for the MVL's most highly regarded wrestler.
As a sophomore, he wrestled with a broken hand during last year's postseason and still managed to place third at the Steubenville district. He followed that up by winning four straight matches in the consolation bracket at the state tournament to place fourth — after losing in sudden victory in his opener.
He took that momentum directly into the summer circuit, where he became an National High School Coaches Association All-American.
His junior season at Sheridan was off to a splendid start before the injury.
"I was up 7-0 and about to turn him," Reedy recalled. "This kid was just holding on for dear life."
Bennett called it one of those moments that comes with the sport.
"The biggest thing is keeping him off of it right now, because he's not a guy that wants to sit out," Bennett said.
A coach in the making?
He's not exactly laying around watching teammates sweat puddles in practice. He has served as another coach, assisting in any way possible.
It's a role that fits him like an old T-shirt, Bennett said.
"He's still the leader of the team by far," Bennett said. "We had the day off school (on Wednesday), and he was still in there doing his best to coach. When he talks they start listening, because they know that he knows what he is doing."
One beneficiary has been his drill partner, Jacob Householder. The Generals' unselfish wide receiver, who embraced the role as a blocker during football season, has found a new sense of confidence since wrestling with Reedy.
"(Reedy) is one of those guys who can coach anybody," Bennett said. "It was him and Jake everyday, and I think it made a difference in his confidence. After going up against Reedy every day it made the rest of his matches easier."
Reedy said he still plans to cut to 150 from 157 once he is able to resume full practices. He said he is currently around 160, which is lighter than what he weighed in the summer when he cut to 150 for the Super 32 in October.
The next level
Reedy took an all-in approach to wrestling following the state tournament, which meant stepping away from football. It was a decision that wore on him heavily, though it allowed him to learn mre about his body and his capabilities on the mat.
He wrestles for the DiSabato Wrestling & MMA Club in the offseason.
"Wrestling four times a week, I picked up on a lot that I wouldn't have if I wasn't wrestling," Reedy said. "The biggest thing is have to learn to scale back a little bit."
And therein lies the silver lining from the injury.
"At first I was frustrated because I am a competitor, and I love competing," Reedy said. "On the bright side, maybe it's not the worst thing to get a mental break. My body will be rested. I will be ready for the postseason.
"Maybe it's a blessing in disguise."
sblackbu@gannett.com; X: @SamBlackburnTR
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Sheridan wrestler Coltyn Reedy playing waiting game with latest injury
