One on One: BEA wrestling medalist Coen Bainey

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: April 11, 2021

Photo by Terry McCaulley Jr.
Editor’s note: Recently Hometown Sports’ Kenny Varner got a chance to catch up to PIAA state wrestling medalist Coen Bainey and talked about his recent trip to Hershey to compete in the PIAA State Wrestling Championships and his career goals and his past highlights.

HS:How did if feel when you captured the fourth place finish? It was bittersweet.

CB: I was disappointed that I lost to a kid that I beat last week, but happy that I was placing top 4 in the state.

HS:How nervous were you going into the final match up?

CB: I was not any more nervous than any other match.

HS: Despite being a shortened year for wrestling, how did you think your regular season went?

CB: Not much different from last year. Just missed out on the opportunity for more matches and different competition from the big tournaments that we usually attend.

HS:How long have you been wrestling?

CB: 12 years, I wrestled my first match at 4 years old. My older brother wrestled and could not wait to get out there and do the same thing.

HS: How did you get started?

CB: I practiced at 4M club with my brother and my dad coached. My first match was at a BEA youth wrestling scrimmage.

HS: What would you say is your favorite move?

CB: Whatever is there to get me the pin!

HS: How does it feel to be a role model for younger girls and boys that are starting out in your sport?

CB: I am a huge supporter of girls wrestling. I do not know that I see myself as a role model, but definity a fan. Grace Stem, on our BEA team, is the best girls wrestling role model. She is one of the hardest working wrestlers I know, and her accomplishments show that.

HS: Since you started wrestling, what would you say you favorite memory has been?

CB:I was selected to be part of the 2018 Ohio All Star Wrestling Team. I traveled from Canada to Mexico for 8 weeks with the team. It was an amazing experience and opportunity to spend the summer wrestling and doing what I love.

HS: Who got you started in wrestling?

CB: I was at my brother’s matches since I was a baby. I grew up on the mat and sleeping in the bleachers.

HS: Do you plan to continue your career after high school?

CB: If so, do you have any colleges in mind? Yes, I plan on wrestling in college. I do not have any colleges in mind, at this point. I am open to all opportunities.

HS: What advice would you give to younger wrestlers that are just starting out in your sport?

CB: Have fun, work hard and it will all pay off in the end.

HS: Growing up, did you have any wrestlers you looked up to or modeled yourself after?

CB: The PSU wrestling team over the past ten years. It does not get any better than that. I am extremely fortunate to be able to train at M2 and have them as my coaches.