A graduate of Rockford East High School, Sam received his undergraduate degree from Illinois State University. After earning a Masters degree from Northern Illinois University, Sam went on to do Doctoral work at Florida State University. Sam has taught and coached at Sparland High School, Sycamore High School and at Glenbrook North High School. He has officiated at all levels of competition "” junior high, high school, collegiate and the prestigious Midlands. Additionally, Sam has officiated at several NCAA tournament championships. He was a founding member and served as Secretary of the Mid-States Officials Association which was the forerunner to the IWCOA. Sam, in his forty-fourth year as a Certified Wrestling Official in Illinois, was one of the first ten Certified Wrestling Officials in the state. He has also served as the Head Official of the Illinois State Championships. An outstanding football coach and wrestling official, Sam has been honored in both fields. In 1975 Sam was identified as the Illinois Football Coach-of-the-Year. In 1980, Sam was recognized as the IWCOA Official-of-the-Year. Four years later, 1984, Sam was selected for membership in the IWCOA Hall of Fame. In 1986 the IHSFCA elected Sam to the Hall of Fame. Finally, Sam was selected by his alma mater, Illinois State University, for the school's Hall of Fame in 2000.