Wellington senior Sam Marvel delivered an impressive final season to lead the school’s wrestling program as he earned Sun Sentinel Palm Beach boys wrestler of the year honors.
Marvel placed first in the 132-pound weight class at the Tri-County Invitational, Palm Beach County Wrestling Hall of Fame Championship, district tournament and regional competition. He also placed third at the Class 3A state championship.
“I felt great and I had a lot of confidence this season,” he said. “We had a lot of great coaches who helped me continue to get better. I knew it was my last year so I wanted to leave it all on the mat. I lost a very close match to a great opponent at states and it was tough for me. I was still proud of myself.”
Marvel, a four-year varsity standout, competed in the 120-pound weight class and at 126 throughout his first three seasons. He made the transition to the 132-pound weight class for his senior campaign.
Marvel finished his high school career as a four-time district champion, two-time regional winner and two-time county champion. He also finished as the regional runner-up twice. He placed at the state tournament three times, which included a third-place finish in both of his final two seasons. He finished 4-1 at the state tournament during his senior year.
Marvel started his wrestling journey on the mat at age five and had followed in the footsteps of his father and two older brothers in the sport.
Marvel credited coach Barry Staats with his development in the Palm Beach County PAL wrestling program. He continued to improve under the direction of Travis Gray after he joined the Wellington Warriors club program during middle school. He
received experience at several tournaments and competed at the Michigan Super 32.
Marvel said he enjoyed creating friendships with his teammates and he also previously had an opportunity to be on the same team with his older brother, James, during his time at Wellington. He continued his development by participating in tournaments against strong competition, including in Fargo, North Dakota. He also enjoyed success at the Michigan Grappler Tournament during his junior year. Marvel stepped up to help the school reach the state duals final four during his senior season.
“It’s been awesome and amazing,” he said. “I have been doing it for so long and I just love the feeling when I am out there.”
