Chasing Giants: Sampson Stillwell’s Pursuit of Global Wrestling Glory in Istanbul

08/08/2023 10:50 AM

The trip to Istanbul, Turkey wasn’t what Sampson Stillwell wanted but it will be one that will leave memories for him and his coaches.

Stillwell lost to Armenia’s Henrik Haykyan in the 110 kg match at the World Championships representing the USA U17 team in the freestyle event.

Stillwell, a two-time state champion from St. Michael the Archangel in Lee’s Summit, was there with his high school coach Matt Infranca and Matt Groepel, a club coach who flew over on his own accord to watch Stillwell. He’s coached Stillwell since the fourth grade.

The group all flew out earlier this week. Infranca said he had a 22-hour flight from Kansas City to Chicago to Munich, Germany and then to Istanbul. He arrived in Turkey without luggage, unfortunately…

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