American wrestler
Sam Hazewinkel (born March 4, 1983) is an American former wrestler who won the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials and competed at the 2012 Olympics in freestyle 55 kg division.[1] Hazewinkel previously served as head wrestling coach at Oklahoma City University during the 2019 and 2020 seasons. He has since returned to the University of Oklahoma, where he is a Volunteer Assistant Coach with his alma mater.
High school
Hazewinkel completed a 140-0 record while wrestling in high school at Pensacola Christian Academy in Pensacola, Florida. He was a three-time Florida state champion. Hazewinkel was also a two-time Junior National Greco-Roman Champion.[2]
College
As a collegiate wrestler, Hazewinkel was a four-time All-American at the University of Oklahoma, with a best finish of 2nd place at the NCAA Championships.[3]
International
Hazewinkel was a 2008 University World Champion in Greco-Roman.[4] He defeated wrestler Nick Simmons 2-to-1 at the finals of the 2012 U.S. Freestyle Olympic Trials, with a final and deciding period victory of 3-0.[5] At the 2012 Olympics, Hazewinkel lost to in his opening match to Daulet Niyazbekov of Kazakhstan.[6]
Family
Sam's father Dave Hazewinkel and uncle Jim Hazewinkel were both Olympic wrestlers. Him and his father Dave, were the first father and son to each make the U.S. Olympic team.[7]
