Colony grad to wrestle at Jamestown

PALMER — Sam Sisco’s career on the mat started in a wrestling room in Kentucky, placed him at the top of the podium in Alaska, and now presented an opportunity to compete at the college level in North Dakota.

Sisco, a recent Colony High School graduate who will wrestle for the University of Jamestown, was quick to thank all who have helped him along the way. Sisco said his older brother Josiah convinced him to a wrestling camp in Kentucky. His first coach Troy Girard was a big influence, and a reason he still wrestles today. He also thanked Colony High head coach Todd Hopkins for his continued support.

Another Colony coach, assistant Kyle Wilson, also played a role, helping connect Sisco with a Jamestown coach, who was at the 2017 state tournament.

“They ended up talking to me,” Sisco, a 2015 4A state champion at 106 pounds, said.

And everything started to fall into place.

Sisco, who placed third in state at 132 pounds as a senior, had a chance to visit the campus in Jamestown, North Dakota.

“Everything was super nice,” Sisco said.

Sisco said he liked the campus and wrestling facilities, and had a chance to meet his future teammates.

“I think it’s the best place to help me improve in my career,” Sisco said.

Sisco said he could land at either 125 or 133 pounds.

“Whatever is best for team,” Sisco said.

Hopkins said he believes Jamestown is a great fit for Sisco.

“They really liked what they saw out of Sam,” Hopkins said.

Hopkins said Sisco should have an opportunity to make an impact.

“The smaller guys are in short supply. He’s got a really good shot at being a scorer for them,” Hopkins said.

During his Colony career, Sisco earned a state title a 106 as a freshman, and was second in the NLC tourney. As a senior, Sisco was an NLC champion at 132 and finished third at state.

Sisco’s Colony teammate Caleb Hopkins, another 2018 graduate, will also wrestle at the college level. Hopkins committed to Campbell University in Blues Creek, North Carolina. For more on Hopkins, see an upcoming edition of he Frontiersman.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com