As a sophomore at Gallaudet, Coleman averaged 5.2 points per game and 1.8 rebounds playing over 20 minutes a game. He did this with only a week of practice before basketball, since he was busy playing wide receiver on the football team. Despite being an underclassman, his coaches named him a co-captain.
Coleman has faced challenges his whole life. Playing high school basketball at a high level in Ohio had its own difficulties. He wore a hearing aid in one ear to help, but found it didn’t work.
“The main part on defense was to communicate with each other,” Coleman said in an e-mail. “Screens, switching, loose balls, help side — that was difficult for me. I was unable to hear while I played because it is nothing but the sound of wind blowing in my ear, just like someone blowing on a stage microphone, just an annoying noise.”
Coleman said he made up by “hearing with his eyes.” It didn’t hurt he was primarily an offensive player. His last home game at Graham — senior night — Coleman tied the school-record for 3-pointers in a game with nine. He won the conference award for best sportsmanship.
Coleman has found a new home at Gallaudet University. Located in Washington D.C., the school’s mission is to serve deaf students. It’s a bilingual institution, using English and American Sign Language. He is majoring in physical education and recreation, hoping to stay involved in scholastic sports.
“Life in D.C. is a lot different than where I grew up,” Coleman said. “D.C. is a busy place. The Verizon Center, home of the Wizards, and the Washington Nationals are just down the street. I’m glad I have had the experience of living here two years now.”
Getting to Bulgaria will require one more challenge of Coleman. He needs to raise $4,500 for training and travel costs. The organization encourages athletes to raise money themselves to help raise the Deaflympic profile.
Willing donors can send a contribution to Ben Coleman — USADB Fund, P.O. Box 280, St. Paris, OH, 43072. Coleman is in the process of setting up a donation page on gofundme.com. Once his semester is complete in May, he may host a shoot-a-thon or hold a youth basketball camp.
National champs: The Ashland University women's basketball team defeated Dowling 71-56 on March 29 to win the Division II national championship.
Kari Daugherty, a former player at Dayton, led Ashland with 26 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Other local players of note on Ashland include Kaci Finfrock (Milton-Union) and Chelsea Laporte (Miamisburg).
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