By Angela Brunk
Liam Coultis, a senior wrestler from Derby High School, is having an impressive final season on the mat. Competing in the 138-pound weight class, Coultis has set ambitious goals for himself this year. One of his primary objectives was to reach his 100th career high school varsity win, which he accomplished in February at the Andover Tournament. His second goal is to place higher at the state meet than he did the previous year, demonstrating his determination to continuously improve.
Coultis’ dedication to wrestling is evident in the extensive work he put in during the offseason. Coultis wrestled in 19 tournaments across the country, visiting states like Missouri and New Jersey and attending camps at prestigious institutions like Nebraska Wesleyan and the University of Iowa. Coultis also participated in local camps and practiced with various clubs, ensuring he stayed in peak condition for the competitive season ahead.
Reflecting on achievements, Coultis is most proud of his performance at the state tournament last year, where he earned a placement after a tough battle. This was a significant improvement from his sophomore year, where he qualified for state but did not place. Additionally, Coultis earned multiple team accolades, including most falls, most two-point near falls, and most three-point near falls. He was also honored with the High School Scholar All-American Award from the NWCA and the United States Marine Corps for his academic excellence.
Looking ahead, Coultis hopes to continue his wrestling career in college while pursuing a degree in construction management or construction technology. Outside of wrestling, he focused exclusively on his sport after his freshman and sophomore years, dedicating himself to wrestling year-round.