Nativity’s Sam Spolski named Schuylkill Chapter No. 25 football scholar-athlete
Nativity's Sam Spolski, second from right, was named the Schuylkill Chapter No. 25 football scholar-athlete during the chapter's 64th annual banquet Sunday evening at the Schuylkill IU 29, Mar Lin. Participating in the ceremony were, from left: James Rhoades of the James J. and Mary Edith Rhoades Foundation; Spolski's parents, Steve and Mindy Spolski; Schuylkill County commissioner Larry Padora; Sam Spolski; and Nativity head coach Pat Mason (Photo by Leroy Boyer).
MAR LIN — Sam Spolski took a family legacy to a new level Sunday evening.
The Nativity senior joined his father Steve, uncle Scott and brother Stephan as members of the Spolski family to represent their high school at the prestigious Schuylkill Chapter No. 25 of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame scholar-athlete awards dinner.
He then added another chapter to that history, being awarded the Outstanding Scholar-Athlete Award at the 64th annual banquet held at the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29.
“It is a great legacy to carry on,” Spolski said, “and that is one of the things I want to do in life. I want to honor (my family) and make my own legacy. My family, overall, they’re a hard-working family. I couldn’t have asked for any other family, and I thank God that I’m with them. And they’re amazing.”
A Schuylkill Haven native, Sam is the son of Steve and Mindy Spolski. A 5-foot-9, 190-pound running back/middle linebacker, Spolski was a four-year starter and three-year captain for the Green Wave football team.
The senior football star earned accolades like the John Lieberman Football MVP in his sophomore and senior campaigns, Schuylkill County Football Coaches Association Small School All-Star in his junior year, and second-team honors for linebacker and fullback in his senior year. He is a four-time recipient of the PA Football News All-Academic Gold Team and recently added the WNEP Dream Team Scholar-Athlete award to his collection.
“We have been talking about this moment since he was a freshman,” Nativity head football coach Pat Mason said. “This was definitely a goal of his. He is an amazing individual who is laser focused on being a great player, teammate and student. He is one of the best athletes I have ever coached, the only three-year captain I’ve ever had.
“He is just the total package of athletic ability, leadership and intelligence. He will do great things in his life and we are so proud of him. It’s great for the school and our football program.”
Over his career on the gridiron, Spolski accumulated 2,333 rushing yards, 35 touchdowns, 321 receiving yards, 217 tackles, two interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.
In the classroom, Spolski maintains a 4.29 GPA and ranks first in his class with multiple advanced placement and dual enrollment courses. He has received numerous academic accolades, including the First in Class Award, AP Scholar Award, Dwight D. Eisenhower Award and Highest Achievement Awards in multiple school subjects.
On top of that, he is a leader in school activities and clubs, like National Honor Society, Student Council, the Evangelization Team, National Science Honor Society, Chess Club and Math Club. Spolski was honored as a Rotary Student of the Month and volunteers locally with the United Way, Salvation Army, Special Olympics and St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church.
“One of my biggest goals is to be the best version of myself,” Spolski said. “And that’s where I really strive to be the best in the classroom and on the field. I know that a lot of people have talent in this world, and they decide to waste it. And I don’t want to be like that. I want to put in the hard work and dedication, I went through a lot of trials in life and I’m grateful to have gone through them.”
A mature, dedicated young man, Spolski plans to serve his country and is headed to the United States Naval Academy following graduation from Nativity.
“Most of my life I felt like enlisting,” Spolski said. “I never told anyone, but around sophomore year me and my parents were thinking about it. We went on a trip to one of (Navy’s) football games and it was a great experience. I felt a connection there right away. I just kept perusing there, I visited a couple times in the past two years and I absolutely loved it. I applied, I got in and I’m ready to go.”
