2021-22 Wrestler of the Year: Mark Samuel

***ICYMI: Boys Swimmer of the Year: Will Sterrett***

***ICYMI: Girls Swimmer of the Year: Callie Parkes***

Now that the winter sports season has come to a close, it’s time to reveal the All-Coastal Preps teams. Over the next week, you will get to know more about the players of the year while also seeing who made first and second team in boys and girls basketball, boys and girls swimming and wrestling.

One of the Coastal Preps Wrestlers of the Year is senior Mark Samuel from Laney. It is the third straight year Samuel has earned this honor.

Mark’s Accomplishments

Mark Samuel will go down as the most accomplished wrestler in New Hanover County history.

He capped his incredible career with a third straight individual state title, becoming the first wrestler from any area school to accomplish that rare feat.

Samuel finished his senior season with a record of 43-1 with every victory coming by bonus points. He had 29 pins, five tech falls, four major decision and five forfeits.

During his four years at Laney, Samuel finished 176-5.

Samuel scored a team-high 30 points at the individual state championships by pinning all four opponents. He stopped Hunter Gundry of Cardinal Gibbons in 2:46 in the championship match.

The points led the Buccaneers to a second straight state title. Laney also claimed the dual team state championship for the first time in school history two weeks earlier.

Samuel will continue his career at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia.

More about Mark

Favorite Food(s): Pizza

Favorite Restaurant(s): Chick-fil-A

Favorite Movie(s): Interstellar

Favorite TV Show(s): Breaking Bad and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

Favorite Athlete(s): Yianni Diakomihalis

Favorite memory from this season: Riding the van to states with all my friends.

Favorite memory from your career: Winning team states

Favorite thing about your school or team: The people and coaches on it.

Favorite holiday: Christmas 

Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, what is your favorite treat?: Skittles

What app on your phone do you use the most?: YouTube 

If you could shop for free at one store, which one would you choose?: Best Buy 

Would you rather hang out by the pool or on the beach?: Beach

Do you prefer cold or hot weather?: Cold

What is a skill you are bad at that you wish you could master?: Astrophotography

Would you rather watch a movie at home or in the theater?: Home

If you could have dinner with any 3 people (dead or alive), who would they be?: Mom, dad and sister