CHICO — On Oct. 1, 2021 Chico High running back Dion Coleman, then a sophomore, set a new record at Chico High for most rushing yards in a game with 340, as well as tying the Northern Section record for most rushing touchdowns in a game with eight.
In Friday’s Almond Bowl, Coleman added two more records to list of accomplishments. Coleman set a new record for most rushing yards in an Almond Bowl (for Chico or Pleasant Valley) with 256, as well as a new record for most rushing touchdowns in an Almond Bowl for Chico or Pleasant Valley with five.
Because of Coleman’s standout performance Friday, he has been named this week’s Chico Enterprise-Record Prep Athlete of the Week.
Coleman ran for a 67-yard touchdown to open the game, a play he said he’ll always remember.
“That first opening play was a statement to make in front of the city for myself,” Coleman said. “I’m going to carry that one forever.”
Coleman then ran for 76-yard touchdown, a 70-yard touchdown, an 8-yard touchdown and a 3-yard touchdown.
“Dion is obviously a special talent, but what makes him truly special is his leadership this year,” said Chico coach Jason Alvistur. “He is their leader, he speaks to the team, rallies the team, chews out the team, he walks the walk and his teammates respect him. He works hard in the weight room, in the film room, on the field. Plays hard and wants to win. He expects nothing less from his teammates.”
Coleman began playing many sports like other athletes growing up. He’s played football since he was four years old, but also played baseball, basketball and soccer. In high school, it’s been all football.
Coleman believes his biggest strength is his mentality — to stay level headed at all times and to stay mentally and emotionally strong.
His strongest physical trait he believes is his knowledge of the game.
“Experience is wisdom, so I use all of my experience to my advantage,” Coleman said. “Carrying those with me, it’s made me who I am today.”
What you don’t know
Coleman mentioned three things you might not know about him. First, his real first name is not actually Dion. His first name is actually Marquez. Dion is his middle name and the name of his older cousin who passed away. In honor of his cousin, he goes by the name Dion and has since he was young.
Second, like his teammate Troy Sommer, Coleman is a hot sauce “freak.” He said he puts hot sauce on anything and everything.
Third, music is life to Coleman. He loves to make it and has since he was a young child with his older brother. He is often seen around campus with his headphones in listening to music. Before games, he plays artists like Drake, as well as softer music like “Sweater Weather” by The Neighborhood or “Ted It” by Cafune. He also prays before games, which Coleman said is a crucial part of his life.
Coleman’s favorite part about football is the brotherhood it has brought him, which he sat in class Tuesday thinking about.
“I try to stay in the present as much as I can, but I’m gonna miss these boys,” Coleman said. “I’m gonna miss all of them, but that’s why I’m going to get it across that we got to cherish the time we have together.”
Overcoming obstacles
Coleman’s road to success hasn’t been a completely smooth road. On Oct. 15, 2021 Coleman was playing defense and tipped the ball away from an opposing player, but in the process came up limping. He tore his ACL, and missed this Panthers’ Northern Section Division II victory against Foothill and their Division 4-A NorCal Regional Final game against Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep.
“After his injury in ’21, he stayed a full member of the team, showing up everyday, coaching the running backs in individual drills, even though he wasn’t playing, the team really rallied around him,” Alvistur said. “I think that year I saw him grow into a person who was comfortable with being in front and sharing his love for the game and love for his teammates.”
Coleman joined the Chico High track team for part of the 2022 season, because he felt he needed to learn the mechanics of sprinting better. In the 52nd Almond Bowl, on Coleman’s second touchdown, he caught himself running with his head up instead of the proper way of leaning forward.
Coleman returned to the field wearing a large knee brace nearly one year after the injury on Oct. 14, 2022 in Almond Bowl 51 after missing the team’s first six games. He finished the 2022 season with 52 carries for 655 yards and six touchdowns in six games, but was clearly holding back and seemingly uneasy at times. It wasn’t until the start of the 2023 season that Coleman entered with no brace, fully trusted his knee, had a clear mind and was ready to show out his senior season.
Not only did Coleman struggle with his ACL, but off the football field he was going through pain at home. After Coleman tore his ACL, his father was sentenced to life in prison. That took a huge toll on the then sophomore, and he said his mindset was never the same after.
Coleman spoke about a special letter he received in eighth grade from his father that sticks with him strong every day.
“What consisted of that letter is that it’s my turn to take care of the family and feed my family, and to grind it out. Whatever happens, to grind it out,” Coleman said. “Since then I’ve been living like that. I want my family to have more than what I have right now, and my friends and to be able to take care of everybody that’s taken care of me.”
In seven games this season Coleman has had 114 carries for 1,331 yards (averaging 11.7 yards per carry and 190.1 yards per game) and 18 touchdowns. On defense Coleman has 19 tackles playing the free safety position. He said he uses his knowledge at running back to help him on defense, as well as his knowledge as a safety to help anticipate where gaps will open up. It is the second 1,000-plus yard rushing season for Coleman, who rushed for 1,176 yards and 18 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2021.
Still, the success has brought challenges.
“It’s been pretty hectic. A lot of people at school are like ‘Dion Coleman, Dion Coleman.’ I love ’em up as much as I can, as much as they love me up, but at times it’s a lot,” Coleman said. “Throughout my high school years I’ve realized I can’t really have both of my headphones in at the same time because I don’t want people to be like ‘What’s Up Dion’ and think I’m ignoring them. I don’t want them to take to take it the wrong way, because when I got my headphones in I’m locked in. But all the love and the friendships I have, I’m blessed.”
Coleman’s ultimate goal is to be able to use football to support his loved ones.
“I want to be able to get a good career off of it, get a college degree off of it and then feed my family when I can,” Coleman said.
Coleman and the Panthers (6-1, 2-0 EAL) continue Eastern Athletic League play at 7 p.m. Friday at home against Foothill (4-3, 1-1 EAL). The Panthers and the Cougars are ranked No. 1 (Chico) and No. 3 (Foothill) in the EAL.
Chico has opened EAL play with wins against Red Bluff and PV. Foothill is coming off a win against Red Bluff, after falling to Shasta to open EAL play.
