LebCo Male Athlete of the Week: Sam Wolford (Week Ending January 28, 2024)

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Sam Wolford

It was a big week for Sam Wolford, the sophomore wrestler from Northern Lebanon. First, he helped the Vikings capture the Lancaster Lebanon League – Section 3 Championship with an exciting win over ELCO. Then, at the Lancaster Lebanon League Championships, he claimed his spot as the top 107-pounder and helped Northern Lebanon to a 2nd place finish as a team. For his outstanding week, Wolford was selected by the LebCoSports.com readers as the LebCo Male Athlete of the Week.

Nationally ranked after finding success at some big early season tournaments, Wolford continued his tear this week as Northern Lebanon competed in the District 3 Team Wrestling Championship Tournament. While the Vikings barely missed out on qualifying as a team for States after a 4th place finish, Wolford added four more wins to his resume. His season record now stands at 31-4 as he looks for a second straight trip to Hershey.

Last season, Wolford burst onto the local wrestling scene, compiling a 45-14 record. His season ended at States, where he competed in the 114-pound weight class and picked up two wins before being eliminated. Oddly enough, much of his freshman season was spent under the radar, as more attention was being given to Aaron Seidel, who was working towards claiming his second State gold medal.

With Seidel’s move to the 121-pound weight class this season, Wolford moved down to 107-pounds. It is no coincidence that both young men have their sights set on State gold this season. They are good friends and competitors who openly discuss their remarkable relationship. Wolford spoke about how Seidel influences him, saying, “He continues to push me every day in the room, corrects what I do wrong or what I can do better. He encourages me through everything.”

Seidel is not the only influence that Wolford has driving him. Besides his coaches, Wolford looks to what his father accomplished as a high school wrestler in Virginia. The elder Wolford won three State Championships (’94, ’96, ’97), something the younger Wolford uses as his guide for excellence.

Wolford competes hard and prepares by training even harder on a daily basis. He wrestles year-round in pursuit of excellence. However, his competitive nature is not just reserved for the mats. Wolford is a professional gamer, making his mark in the world of competitive Fortnite.

There is still a lot of wrestling left this season for Wolford to channel his energy. Starting February 17th, Wolford will embark on a four-week-long postseason journey that will consist of Sectionals, Districts, Regionals, and States. We wish Sam and his Viking teammates the best of luck in extending their seasons as long as possible, as we hope to see him high on the podium at the Giant Center when the PIAA State Championships conclude on March 9th.

Photos taken from Northern Lebanon Wrestling Facebook Page

The articles about Morgan Lantz and Maddie Stout will be published soon

For a full list of this week’s nominees, check out: Athlete of the Week Voting: January 22 – January 28

Previous Winners

Micah Gray (Week of 12/4) – ELCO went 2-1 this week as they battle for a District 3 Playoff spot.

Elisha Slabach (Week of 12/4) – Scored 25 points in the win over Mount Carmel.

Aaron Seidel (Week of 12/11) – Went 4-0 in the District 3 Team Tournament.

Ashton Kriss (Week of 12/18) – On Tuesday, lost a close 7-5 decision against Central Dauphin, but on Wednesday won a 6-5 decision against E-Town.

Daryan Rodriguez (Week of 12/18) 

Riley Clinger (Week of 1/2) 

Ben Stohler (Week of 1/8)

Leo. Tirado (Week of 1/8) – Helped Cedar Crest clinch the Section 1 title, scoring 14 points against Manheim Township.

Tanner Feagley (Week of 1/15) – Went 4-0 in the District 3 Team Tournament.

Dallas George (Week of 1/15) – ELCO went 2-1 this week as they battle for a District 3 Playoff spot.