GET TO KNOW: Sam Martino
Sept. 25, 2017
As we gear up for the 2017-18 season, members of the Virginia wrestling team took some time to sit down and answer a few questions to provide a little insight and help our fans get to know them better as student-athletes.
Name: Sam Martino
Major: Economics
Classification: RS Freshman
Weight Class: 141/149
Hometown: Colonial Heights, Va.
High School: McDonogh
What do you love most about competing as a Virginia Cavalier?
When competing with Virginia across my chest I represent all of the coaches, family members, teachers and teammates that have helped me get to that point. I get seven minutes to show all of the hard work I’ve put in and all the other support I’ve gotten while at UVA.
Why did you choose Virginia?
The school itself could attract anyone. It’s beautiful, prestigious and an overall amazing place to call home. From a wrestling standpoint, Coach Garland and the team are the type of people I need around me to achieve my goals.
What will be your lasting memory of your time as a Virginia Cavalier?
The people make this place. I’m developing relationships that I hope to have for a long time.
What defines a Cavalier?
A person who is able to stand out amongst the population and do so honorably.
Who or what motivates you in your sport?
The idea of maxing out on the goods and talents that God gave me. I try to let my heart show in every workout and get 1% better every day. Being able to constantly improve every time I step on the mat motivates me to leave it all out on the mat.
What are your goals for the season?
Get one percent better every time I step in the room, wrestle free of unneeded weights and fears and win a NCAA D1 National Championship.
Favorite family vacation?
I go to New Smyrna, Florida, every year with my whole Mom’s side of the family.
Favorite class?
Spanish
Favorite breakfast food?
Peanut butter and honey on pancakes
Favorite movie?
Remember the Titans
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N’ Roses
Teammates would describe you as?
Extroverted/lively
Who is your hero and why?
My dad has never ceased to amaze me. He is the most selfless person I know and would do anything for his kids. I hope to be half the man he is one day.
Name one thing most people probably don’t know about you?
I’m in Army ROTC as well.
Besides your own sport, what’s a sporting event on Grounds that fans need to experience at least once and why?
Any soccer game at Klockner. It’s just so cool when all of a sudden, the crowd erupts when their team scores.
If you could play any other sport, what would it be?
Soccer
If you could give any advice to younger athletes entering the sport what would it be?
Stay the course. Have a positive attitude. When I first got here, it took me literal months to start scoring takedowns. If it wasn’t for me finding small victories every day then those months would have made me miserable.
Nickname (is there a story you can share that goes with it)?
Sartino. In my first year, one of the fifth-years, Chris Yankowich, jokingly called it one day and somehow it stuck. My father is also Chartino.
Favorite holiday?
Halloween
Favorite TV show?
How I Met Your Mother
What is your biggest fear?
Rats
Best Athletic Memory?
Winning the state dual title my junior year of high school in front of a home crowd and it came down to the last match.