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Coleman Meier calls himself a silent leader, the type of player who chooses to lead by example.

He acknowledges that there's a time and place to be vocal, especially on an Olympus football team replete with talent and leadership. But the senior running back prefers to make his noise on the field.

Sometimes the noise virtually is imperceptible, like when he interacts with a struggling teammate, taking him aside to offer some friendly advice. And sometimes it sounds a bit louder, say to the tune of 419 all-purpose yards, including 255 yards rushing and five touchdowns against region rival Orem in Week 6.

"Watching Coleman is like watching a kid pull back a slingshot and just letting it fly," Olympus coach Aaron Whitehead said. "He's a very athletic young man."

But Whitehead chose another attribute to emphasize.

"As much as he is talented, he has great character," the coach said.

Meier has helped to forge what Whitehead calls, a "family atmosphere" in the Olympus football program. He is quick to give credit where it's due, even going so far as to attribute much of his success to his offensive line and downplaying his own accomplishments.

"Nothing brings [people] together more than sacrifice," Meier said. "Football is all about sacrifice; you sacrifice your time, you sacrifice your body, your well-being almost, for your teammate, your brother. It's one of the reasons I love playing the game."

As one of three featured backs in the Titans' potent offense, Meier has helped to establish the team's run-first identity.

It's an identity that has propelled Olympus to a combined 97 points in wins over Orem and Timpanogos over the last two weeks, and one that has given the team championship aspirations.

Olympus is guaranteed at least a share of the region championship for the third consecutive year if it can win its remaining regular-season games, thanks in part to Orem beating newcomer Corner Canyon on Wednesday.

Meier acknowledged his family, teammates and the community when asked what it would mean to win three consecutive region titles. But he emphasized the importance of focusing on the task at hand.

For Meier, that task includes carrying himself in a way that supports his team.

Whitehead praised Meier for his leadership following Olympus' one-point loss to Corner Canyon three weeks ago.

"He's a driven young man," Whitehead said, "but I don't see stress [in him]. He's so even-keeled. It draws people to him."

Meier hasn't made plans for college yet, though several schools have expressed interest in the talented running back turned 200-meter track champion. For now, he's content to continue to lead his team by example and let his play speak for itself.

"Coleman has a confidence about him [that is] contagious," Whitehead said. "When his number is called ... you can see it in the demeanor of the rest of the team. He walks the walk. He's a great leader." —

Coleman Meier

School • Olympus

Year • Senior

Position • Running back