Siblings are an important part of life. While there are times that they will pester and annoy you, there are other times when they are there for you to talk to, support you, or just be there.

Sam Lollar says that he has had a number of people that have helped him get to where he is today, and one of those is his brother.

“My brother, Derric Grant Lollar, would have to be the biggest role model for my life,” Sam said. “He always pushes me to try my best and do my best. Another would be coach Ross because he has been there for me since I started middle school.”

Sam is in his junior year at Fairland High School. He is a multisport athlete for the Owls, playing football, basketball, and baseball. Outside of sports, he is also a member of the Future Farmers of America program at Fairland.

Becoming the athlete that he is today is not something that just happened overnight. Instead, Lollar says that he had to invest a lot of time and also stay motivated.

“I have put in a lot of hard work and effort to get where I am today,” he said. “Motivation is another important factor that will keep you going when things get tough. The thing that keeps me motivated is the operation of becoming great.”

Doug Winters is the head baseball coach for the Owls and he knows what Sam is capable of and he is expecting big things this season.

“Sam is an outstanding player and teammate,” coach Winters said. “He had a .379 batting average last season and was also 4-1 as a pitcher. He will be asked to play multiple positions this year, but I have no doubt that he is up to the task. He is a great young man and leader of this team.”

When Sam and his teammates step out onto the field, they do not care who the opponent is. They just want to work hard for the win. While most of the opponents are the same, Lollar says that there is one team he likes to beat a little more than the others.

“I like beating Afton the most,” he said. “They are our rivals so the victory is a little sweeter.”