2024 Interview with Samson (TREND SETTER) Evans from Muhlenberg High School (PA.)

Samson Evans

Muhlenberg High School

OL/DL, specifically O-Tackle and D-End

6’1, 250lbs

You are a very busy student-athlete. Could you share with everyone the sports you are in and other school activities that you take part in?

Yes, I love staying busy and being involved. I play football and wrestle for sports. Some other programs I’m in include band (marching and jazz as well), choir, science fair, musical, I’m an Eagle Scout, I’m a lifeguard, I’m in a bunch of science clubs, and I teach swimming lessons!

Of all the sports and activities that you are involved in, which one is your favorite? 

I get asked this question all the time, and I would have to say football, and a close second would be competing in science competitions. Both of these are my future and something I would love to pursue in college. I love playing for my team and getting to go out there and battle under the lights; there really isn’t anything like it.

How did the wrestling season go? 

Awesome! I love wrestling, and it really has taken my physicality to the next level. No other sport teaches character like wrestling. This was my first time wrestling as a heavyweight. I had some hard fights on the mat at counties, sectionals, and districts. I’m so excited for my senior season and to go out there and give it all I got one last time.

As an athlete, what has been your biggest moment? 

Great question. I would say breaking the barrier between marching band and varsity football. I’ve felt as though there is this stigma that you can’t do both, and if you do, you can’t be great at either. I have come to change that stigma and feel I already have it. I do both at an elite level; I start both sides of the ball and have made it to high levels on my instrument. It has taken hard work and the understanding of my coaches and directors to achieve this. This year we have five boys on both, when before I was the only one, and it brings me so much joy that I could break this barrier.

Offensive line or defensive line, which do you feel is harder to prepare for? 

Offensive line: the amount of plays, footwork, strength, and brains needed for that position is a harder task to achieve than defensive line. I feel for DL; as long as I have my core moves and physicality, I can be great.

Offensive line or defensive line, which do you feel you are better at? 

On the offensive line, I’ve put in a lot of work trying to hone my skills and build strength for this position specifically. During this off-season, I’ve been hitting the weight room due to my size disadvantage, and I'm trying to shorten that gap through strength and stamina. Although I am really excited to play defense as well, especially with my gains in the gym,.

Muhlenberg High Schools have been struggling since 2017, when they went 7–5. What does the 2024 team have to do to change that trend?

Another great question: I think it comes down to attention to detail and accountability in our program. Both, I am happy to say, have been almost completely turned around this season and fixed by our new head coach, Rob Flowers. He has done an amazing job this off-season in summer and spring workouts, getting us ready for the season. Working on the basics, form in the weight room, attendance, and just doing the right things on and off the field. I couldn’t have asked for a better coach this season, and I’m ready to shock the world on our opening night.

Who is the best wrestler you have ever faced, along with the school he wrestled for? 

Definitely Tucker Hogan. He played for Daniel Boone and won states multiple times. I went against him and I lost, but I wasn’t pinned; I got out of all pinning combinations, and that was a big achievement for my freshman year and gave me confidence in my ability.

Where should the football state finals be held?

I would say the link. I’m a little biased. I love the Eagles, and who wouldn’t want to play there? The stadium is amazing!

Who is the one teammate who is the most likely to do something funny to get a laugh when things are a little tense? 

Will Howk is hilarious, and during intense drills or conditions, he is always singing some stupid song from TikTok or something. He always makes me laugh, and even if Coach gets frustrated, it definitely lifts the mood.

What is your favorite class or subject? 

Science, favorite class would be AP Chem. I love science and want to pursue it in the future. Chemistry is definitely one of my favorites. I love hands-on experiments, and my teachers, Dr. S. and Miss Denis, made it so much fun to learn and explore the science world.

What’s your dream job? 

Marine biologist—this has been a dream of mine since I was drawing sharks in the first grade. I absolutely love the ocean and love exploring it. My favorite animals are sharks, and being a ‘Shark Doctor’ would be amazing. I have participated in a bunch of science competitions where I talked about shark tooth decay, new materials for hooks to help erosion, and conditioned fiddler crabs to go through mazes (my personal favorite). I got 1st place at the Penn State Science Fair and 6th place at the state level overall. I want to major in marine sciences in college and continue to explore the marine world. I hope you see me on Shark Week one day!

What are your favorite and least favorite types of music? 

I love listening to R&B; Allen Stone is my number one artist; and movie sound tracks—the new Spider-Verse one is amazing. My least favorite would be hard country bluegrass style; I'm just not a fan.
Thank you for having me and giving me this opportunity!