Athlete of the Month: Sam Sustacek

Sustacek+throwing+down+a+dunk+during+the+state+game+against+Waconia

Mark Hennings

Sustacek throwing down a dunk during the state game against Waconia

Will Dittrich, Sports Editor

Junior forward Sam Sustacek is the fourth recipient of Athlete of the Month for the Orono Spartans during the 2014-2015 season.

Sustacek was one of the key reasons for the Spartans to have success during the regular season leading Orono to a record of 21-5 and clinching a share of the Wright County Conference with it.

The Spartans were coming off a state tournament 4th place finish from last year and followed it up with making it to state again, a feat that is very hard to accomplish.

Sustacek averaged 11.8 points per game according to MnBasketballhub and was a force on the boards every game.

He stands 6’7 and runs like a guard. He is getting recruited by colleges and has a whole year to think about where he wants to play in college.

While also being a tremendous basketball player, Sam excels in the classroom and volunteers at Trinity Lutheran Church. He has all the characteristics of being a great guy.

Orono went through sections easily and didn’t have much competition. In state they met Wright County Conference foe the Waconia Wildcats and lost by 5. It wasn’t because of Sustacek though.

He went 6 for 10 and even made a three pointer. He got the game close and the crowd into it when he threw down a vicious dunk from a steal he made.

“I’ve become a much more consistent shooter from last year and also been a much better dribbler,” Sustacek said when asked about improvements from last year.

Although the season is over, Sustacek is already looking forward to next season and wants to make it back to state.


If you have a person to nominate contact [email protected].