In high school, Sam was a CIF Champion in 1961. He attended San Bernardino Valley College where he placed third at the California State Junior College Wrestling Championships in 1963. Sam transferred to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he finished 1st in the California Collegiate Athletic Association Wrestling Championships in 1964 and 1965. He placed 2nd in the NCAA College Division and earned All American Honors in 1965. He graduated with a B.S. in Physical Education & Social Science, later adding a M.A. in Sociology from Azusa Pacific University. Sam coached at Cajon, Pacific, San Bernardino and San Gorgonio High Schools for a total of 20 years. He served as Assistant Coach at Cal Poly- San Luis Obispo for two years, and then at San Bernardino Valley College for two years when they won the National Championship and the State Championship. His 36 years as an educator were spent teaching adaptive, elementary, middle school, and high school Physical Education. Sam coached wrestling for 20 years, football for 10 years, track for 11 years, and volleyball for four years. Sam devoted 48 years officiating wrestling at all levels, including twice at the CIF State Championships and 20 times at the CIF Masters Meet. He also officiated at two U.S. Olympic Trials, a National AAU Championship, and for 30 years in the NCAA, including in the Finals. In 2005, Sam received the CIF's Distinguished Service Award. Sam served as the Southern CIF Wrestling Association's President for two years, and as a Board Member for 38 years. He also served as a Board Member of the Inland Wrestling Association for 40 years, including 25 years as President.