Today's workforce is extremely competitive and few experiences prepare a man or woman for more success in the workplace than wrestling. The NWHOF-Illinois Chapter is proud to name this year's Outstanding American Award to Mr. Sam Fiorella. Sam got his start at St. Laurence High School, playing baseball and of course wrestling, where he was a 2-time Catholic League Champ. He graduated from St. Laurence in 1971 where he further earned a Scholar Athlete Award and is a member of their Athletic Hall of Fame. After high school, Sam went on to attend Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa where he would graduate in 1975 with Magna Cum Laude honors and a degree in accounting. While at Loras, Sam became Loras College's first NAIA National Champion, winning the title at 118 lbs. A two-time NAIA All-American, Sam posted an unheard of 101-6 record in his four years, including a perfect 27-0 record his senior year for the Duhawks. His coach Pat Flanagan had this to say about his National Championship bout: "His opponent from Whitewater had an effective Russian arm bar, which he used for many of his takedowns. A difficult move to counter, but Sam found a way by going against a cardinal rule: turning your back to your opponent! Sam did so with such quickness that he gained the takedown and the national championship." Well Sam didn't sit on his fortune as a Duhawk wrestler. He was one of 11 NAIA wrestlers chosen to tour Japan and Korea in exhibition bouts in the summer of 1975 and finished 2nd in a Korean Freestyle National Tournament, going 4-1, losing by referee's decision in the title bout. After college, Sam became a head coach and started the wrestling program at St. Bede Academy in Peru, while also becoming an IHSA Wrestling Official until 1981. He started his working career at People Gas as an accountant and would remain with the organization for the next 32 years. Sam worked in State Regulatory Affairs for 16 of those years, managing relations with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC.) He also was responsible for management of various cases, providing expert testimony and compliance with various rules and requirements of the ICC. Currently, Sam is President of SFIO Consulting in Frankfort. His company provides a wide array of regulatory consulting services to clients, some of the most notable including AT&T, ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, Illinois American Water, Ameren and Aqua Illinois. Sam also serves on the Board of the Mulliganeers, a benefit organization that has raised over $4 million for children and families in need. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for Smith Senior Living, a continuing care retirement community in the Chicago area. Sam and his wife Noreen have five children, Chad, Jenny, Christen, Jessie and Samantha and are the proud grandparents of ten!