TEMPLE, Texas — Temple High School student Sam Maxson has been named a 2021-22 winner of the Character and Leadership All-America Award by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA). Maxson was presented with his award during the TISD board of trustees meeting on Monday (July 11).
The Character and Leadership All-America Awards, presented jointly by the NWCA and United States Marine Corps, recognize students for outstanding leadership and character on and off the mat. The award also honors award winners for their academic excellence, fighting spirit, mental toughness and work ethic while serving as examples to their teammates and the student body. There are nine categories listed in the criteria for determining the award: dependability, judgement, endurance, initiative, tact, integrity, unselfishness, loyalty and courage. Maxson is one of just 50 wrestlers from the state of Texas to receive the award this school year.
“When you see a kid, you can tell the ones that are special, and Sam is special,” said Deryl Clark, head coach of the Temple High School wrestling teams. “He was the first person to come to mind when it came time to nominate someone for this award. It was a no brainer for me, he is just a wonderful young man, and that’s really all I can say. He just stood out as someone deserving of this honor.”
Maxson recently completed his junior year at Temple High School. He advanced to the Regional Championships with the THS wrestling team this season. Maxson is also a member of the THS chapter of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) and plans to work with the Wildflower literary magazine when it starts up in the fall.
“It was a real shock to find out that I was selected as an All-American,” Maxson said. “Coach called me into his office to tell me and I know no idea. But I am honored, and it shows that I can accomplish anything if I really put my mind to it.”
“Congratulations to each of these fantastic individuals who have earned recognition this season,” said Mike Moyer, NWCA Executive Director. “It is our honor, with the USMC, to recognize these outstanding young wrestlers who model the high-level traits of character, leadership, and scholarship.”