Could a young man work harder and enjoy life more? Colton Sherman of Cardington, Ohio, wrestled and rode bucking bulls while attending Cardington Lincoln High School and Tri-Rivers Career Center in Marion, Ohio. He still found time in the evenings to work on his family's farm where they grow crops and raise livestock.

Sherman's interest in wrestling seems to parallel the qualities of many masons."I started wrestling in fifth grade. I thought it was more competitive than other sports. I liked the fact that in wrestling you are on your own. No one else is accountable for your performance and your results."

Sherman's independence and individualism found a place for him in the rodeo arena, too."I got interested in bull riding, went to a bull riding school, and rode bulls for two years," says Sherman. "When I figured out there wasn't enough money in it, I attended Sankey Rodeo Schools to learn to be a bull fighter (rodeo clown). I still do that whenever I get an opportunity."

Sherman began the masonry program at Tri-Rivers Career Center during his junior year. The following summer he worked part-time for a local masonry contractor. During his senior year in high school, Sherman was allowed to attend school on alternating days as he worked through an apprentice program with local masonry contractor Ward Masonry.

During his senior year, Sherman participated in classroom competitions and open tournaments before advancing to district events and the state competition. Having won the State of Ohio's SkillsUSA masonry contest, Sherman represented Ohio in the secondary division of the national masonry contest held in Kansas City, Mo., last June.

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Rob Buchanan, masonry instructor at Tri-Rivers, speaks highly of Sherman."Colton is an all-around great kid. He takes pride in the quality of his work."

Of Buchanan, Sherman says,"He gave me the knowledge I needed to get a start in this profession."

Now a full-time employee in the apprentice program of Ward Masonry in Marion, Ohio, Sherman is well-thought-of.

Sherman says he continues to learn on-the-job."We completed a school building recently, and I learned so much from being a part of that from start to finish."

Looking ahead, Sherman sees himself continuing his career as a mason and"helping out on the farm as best I can."