Inductees

Gollmyer was a CIF Champion, a captain of the wrestling team, and a State Freestyle Champion at Bakersfield High School under Hall of Fame Coach Olan Polite. He also played varsity football, losing just once in three seasons before graduating in 1966. At Bakersfield College, he was a State Finalist in 1967 for Hall of Fame Coach Pfutzenreuter. Sam transferred to and wrestled at Humboldt State 1968- 1970, placing third in the Far Western Conference.

Sam graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education with a minor in Sociology, making the Dean’s List for Academic Achievement. He earned a Special Designated Credential in Safety Education and a Standard Secondary Teaching Credential in 1971. He added a Masters in Counseling from Cal State San Bernardino in 1980. After teaching Driver Education and Physical Education at Apple Valley High School from 1971-1974, Sam was a Career, Health and Driver Education teacher at Victor Valley High School.

He became Head of the Health Education Department for the school, and he served as Wellness Coordinator for the Victor Valley Union High School District. As Head Wrestling Coach at Victor Valley HS from 1975-1993, he compiled a record of 306 wins, 71 losses, and 3 ties — a win rate of 81 percent overall and 92 percent in league matches. His teams won 14 league titles in 19 years. They won the CIF State Championship in 1987, ranked 8th in the USA. They were 4th in CIF State in 1990. His four All-Americans included three State Champs.

Sam’s teams consistently won or placed high in tournaments such as CIT, Five Counties, Mira Costa, Bakersfield Coyote Classic Duals, El Dorado, and the Victor Valley (Dick Comly) Invitational. Over many years, Sam participated in and supported organizations such as CAGWA, California Jets, AAU Wrestling, California USA Wrestling, US Olympic Development, and the Coyote Wrestling Club. His involvement included international competition, cultural exchanges and hosting visiting teams.