(Avoca) AHSTW’s Joel Sampson is off to a 14-0 start to the season. The 132 pounder is ranked 7th by IA Wrestle in their latest Class 1A rankings.
Sampson has been a staple in the Viking lineup from a young age. He went 31-19 in his freshman season. Sampson qualified for state as a sophomore at 113 points. He finished that season with a 36-23 mark. His junior season brought a record of 33-18 and another trip to state, this time at 132 pounds.
So far as a senior he’s pinned 13 of his 14 foes and won the Western Iowa Conference Tournament on Saturday. Sampson is up to 115 career victories.
Joel Sampson
Parents: Rob and Sarah Sampson
Hometown: Avoca, IA
Activities: Baseball, Football, Wrestling, Student Council, National Honor Society
Hobbies: Fishing, Hunting, Video Games, and hanging out with friends
Future Plans: Attend and play baseball at Southwestern Community college studying criminal justice
Favorite college/pro teams: Chicago Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes
Proudest achievement: Follower of Christ
Favorite quote/best advice from a coach: “Hard work always pays off” – Coach Evan McCarthy
Biggest lessons you’ve learned from sports: Worth and success are not found in results, but are found in leadership and work ethic.
Goals for your senior year: Wrestling: Individual State Champion and State Duals participants, Baseball: Play our final game of the season in Principle Park