Colton Bethel signs with Alderson Broaddus
Colton Bethel, center, signed his letter of intent to wrestle at Alderson Broaddus University. The Ridgewood High School senior is pictured here with his stepmother Kelly Bethel and father Tim Bethel. Josie Sellers | Beacon
COSHOCTON – After talking to the coach and some of his potential future teammates, Colton Bethel knew Alderson Broaddus University was the place he wanted to continue his athletic career.
Bethel, a senior at Ridgewood High School, signed his letter of intent to wrestle at Alderson Broaddus on April 10. The college is located in Philippi, W.Va. and the wrestling team finished out its 2016-2017 season by sending two athletes to the NCAA East Super Regional.
“They (the college) had e-mailed me and then I got to talk to the coach,” Bethel said. “I like that it’s not big and that there is a lot of scenery and history there. I always wanted to wrestle in college. At one point during my freshman year I didn’t think I was going to be able to though so I’m really happy I am.”
Colton, who was joined at the signing by his dad Tim and stepmom Kelly, started wrestling in first grade and said he likes the competition of the sport.
“It’s just you and someone else out there,” Colton said. “If you lose it’s on you and if you win it’s on you.”
One of his favorite memories from wrestling for the Ridgewood Generals is from this year’s state tournament.
“I lost my quarter final match and was pretty beat up about it, but I knew I had to go back out there and forget about it,” Colton said. “I ended up placing for the first time with a fifth place finish.”
He is very appreciative of his coaches helping to get him where he is today.
“Coach Massie, Coach Nate, Coach Leroy and Coach Jack have made a big impact on how I carry myself and how I practice,” Colton said. “They have built my attitude toward practice and helped me a lot. My advice to the younger guys would be to make sure you work hard in practice and don’t take anything for granted.”
Tim is excited to see his son moving on to wrestle in college.
“He’s worked really hard for this and I’ve enjoyed watching him compete over the years,” Tim said.
Colton plans to major in environmental science at Alderson Broaddus.
“They are getting a quality kid both on and off the mat,” said Coach Chad Massie. “Colton is goal-oriented and was a good leader for us all year.”
Category: High School, Sports
