Sam Snell never intended to run track at Stagg.
His first love was baseball. As a kid, he spent many days at the Palos Baseball Organization’s sprawling complex, honing his skills.
A strange thing, however, happened to Snell during his freshman year.
He was cut from the baseball team.
“It definitely was disappointing,” said Snell, now a senior. “I thought I had a good tryout. I didn’t do very well in the hitting drills, but I was faster than everyone in the running drills. I thought that would have stood out for something.”
Eventually it would. Just not on the baseball field.
Two years later, as a junior, Snell followed the advice of assistant soccer coach Matt Seibt and gave track a try.
At the time, Seibt also was Stagg’s boys track coach.
“Coach Seibt said I would have a really good chance at becoming good at track,” said Snell, who also starred for the Chargers in soccer for four seasons. “I didn’t want to let my athletic talent go to waste.”
It was a wise decision — one that has altered the history of Stagg’s track program.
In February, Snell set indoor school records in the 200 and 400 with times of 22.93 and 52.36, respectively. He also was the anchor on the indoor 1,600 relay that broke its own school record from last season with a time of 3:36.40.
During the 2017 outdoor season, Snell was the Class 3A Lockport Sectional champion in the 400 with a 49.90 — the fastest time for a Stagg runner since 1988. Snell qualified for state in both the 200 and 400, although he didn’t place.
The key to his success?
“You have to come out strong out of the blocks,” Snell said. “That’s when I get my explosiveness. It sets me up for the end of the race..”
Obviously, Snell has tremendous speed, but speed alone doesn’t guarantee success. One must have discipline, a strong work ethic and a desire to be great.
Snell checks each box.
“We knew Sam was fast,” said Stagg boys track coach Zachary Spoor, who took over the program two years ago. “We cleaned up some things on his stride.
“He’s an awesome kid and a really hard worker. He’s a team-first kid. You couldn’t ask for anything more character-wise. He does things the right way.”
If Snell’s performances in recent weeks during the outdoor season are any indication, greater success could arrive at the 3A state meet, which begins May 24.
Snell stole the show April 13 at the Gus Scott Invitational. He won the 100 and 200 and was the anchor on the winning 400 and 1,600 relays, earning the distinction of athlete of the meet.
Did I mention it was raining, windy and cold? Hardly ideal conditions, but Mother Nature proved no match for Snell.
At Thursday’s Terry Englund Relays, Snell won the 400 and was the anchor on the 1,600 relay that produced the fastest time — 3:28.9 — in 15 years at Stagg.
Snell’s success isn’t limited to track. He has a 4.7 GPA and scored a 32 on the ACT. He was recently awarded the Ricky Hanus Memorial Scholarship, given to the graduating senior at Stagg who has demonstrated outstanding ability in athletics and in the classroom.
Snell will receive a $10,000 scholarship toward his college expenses at Illinois, where he has been accepted to their engineering program. He’s not sure if he’ll try walking on to the track team.
“I’m beyond thankful for the coaches, my teammates and my family for getting this award,” said Snell, who has a twin brother, a younger brother and older sister. “I’ve had incredible support.”
One goal remains before he graduates.
“You get your picture on the wall at Stagg if you make all-state,” Snell said. “That means a lot to me.”
Not as much as Snell has meant to Stagg in track.
“Sam has been a great face of the program,” Spoor said. “It’s only been two years, but his impact will go beyond his time here.”
Twitter @disabato
