Schuylkill Haven Area teacher earns accolade for other role as international wrestling referee
Oct. 2—Sam Julian has added another to an impressive list of achievements in serving as a referee in world class wrestling competitions.
The 37-year-old Schuylkill Haven Area High School autistic support teacher recently received the Golden Whistle award while officiating at the world freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling championships in Belgrade, Serbia.
The award, given to only six other American wrestling referees, was presented unexpectedly as Julian was set to officiate in a match between Iran and Japan at the championships, which were held Sept. 10-18.
"It was a total surprise," Julian said last week, "and definitely a huge honor."
In a written statement, the Schuylkill Haven Area School District recognized the honor.
"We have special congratulations to hand out for Mr. Julian, who recently returned from officiating an international wrestling tournament," it read. "We are proud of him and we wish him the best of luck as he heads toward the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024."
Antonio Silvestri, chief of the international referee commission, presented the award. Also honored were referees Stevo Petrovic, of Finland, and Kristina Mess, of Norway.
A referee since 2008, Julian officiated in the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016 and the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games in 2021.
He has been selected to officiate at the Greco-Roman World Cup games in Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic that lies between Europe and Asia, in November.
"The U.S. did not qualify for the games," Julian said, "so I was selected as a referee from a neutral country."
A Blue Mountain High School graduate, Julian earned a degree in elementary and special education from Kutztown University. He was on the wrestling teams of both schools.
In addition to teaching at Haven, Julian is assistant wrestling coach at Pottsville Area High School.
He has been a referee at major events since 2008, when he became licensed to officiate at international events.
"I love to travel and meet new people," the Schuylkill Haven man said. "And I enjoy giving back to a sport that helped make me the person I am today."
Contact the writer: rdevlin@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6007
