A common saying around Victoria High School is “Everyone needs a Sam.”

That refers to Victoria senior Sam Windholz, an instrumental figure behind the scenes for the Knights’ football and boys’ basketball teams. 

“He may not be on the field and court, but he holds our teams together,” Victoria athletic director and boys basketball coach Devin Ryan said. 

Windholz has served as team manager every year since he was a seventh-grader. 

“He worries about all those little things so I don’t have to,” Ryan said. “He coaches the new managers up. He takes care of all the film and camera stuff. He runs our scoreboard in practice every day. He sweeps the floor. 

“He does everything that other people might find an inconvenience, but he just takes it upon himself to get it done because he knows it’s important for the team. Somebody has to do it and he always makes sure that’s him.”

Windholz, the Capitol Federal® True Blue® Student of the Week, said he takes his responsibilities seriously. 

“I pride myself on making sure everything is organized and we’re not scrambling at the last minute to get everything set up,” Windholz said. 

Ryan said Windholz’s positive attitude is infectious. 

“Everybody loves Sam,” he said. “He never has a bad day. He always shows up with a smile on his face, cracking a joke or saying something silly. And that’s what we need, because the season can get long and tedious. He’s always happy no matter what day it is or what’s been going on in school.”

“I just get my (positive) attitude from thinking that the bad things that are going to happen will happen no matter what I do, so might as well not focus on that,” Windholz said. “Just focus on the good things.”

Windholz said he has formed a strong bond with his fellow seniors. 

“I’ve been pretty good friends with all the players in my class,” Windholz said. “We grew up together and have learned a lot about each other. 

“It’s pretty important to build those connections, because if you care about someone or something, you’re more likely just to give a little bit extra effort.”

Last Saturday night in Greensburg, Windholz stood atop the press box filming the Knights’ state championship football game against Hanover. Though Victoria fell 28-20 in a hard-fought game, Windholz said this season was a fun ride. 

“It was very exciting,” Windholz said. “I liked how every day everyone came to work at practice, just wanting to get a little bit better every day. 

“I think we were an entirely different team from the beginning of the season to where we finished.”

Windholz was named the Knights’ homecoming king this year. 

“The kids are appreciative,” Ryan said. “He doesn’t get a lot of credit, but they always make sure that they thank him and that he knows he’s a part of the team.”

When reflecting on his favorite memories, Windholz quickly pinpointed the Knights’ pre-game tradition at football games. 

“All the guys with motorcycles roar in as the team walks through,” he said. “You can feel the energy they bring and the rumble in your stomach.”

Windholz said he enjoys living in a tight-knit community. 

“Being a small community, everyone knows each other so everyone holds each other accountable,” Windholz said. “It makes you feel like everyone’s got your back and everybody is there to help you if you need it.”

Windholz, who also participates in track and field, is considering attending Fort Hays Tech North Central in Hays next year to take part in its electrician program. Until then, he’ll continue to set a strong example for his peers. 

“I just try to be a good kid that people can look toward,” Windholz said.