By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Sam Hazell is only 12 years old but, thanks to the sport of luge, he’s already learned two valuable life lessons. He knows what it’s like to overcome adversity and he’s learned how to be resilient.

After failing to earn a spot on the USA Luge Development team last year, the Medway Middle School seventh-grader left for Lake Placid, NY, on June 25 for his first training session  as a member of the 9 to 13-year-old squad. His selection came after open tryouts in Medway in Sept. 2022 earned him the opportunity to try out for the second time at Lake Placid. Last May, Hazell’s parents were notified of their son’s selection.

“When I was told that I qualified for the development team, my emotions ranged from amazement, tears of joy and relief,’’ Hazell said. “When I failed to make the team on my first attempt, I was devastated and disappointed for two months. It was a wake-up call that created a never-give-up attitude.’’

Hazell was determined to get another chance and he paid the price, working hard to stay flexible by engaging in push-ups, sit-ups, running and some weight-training.

The town of Medway and the sport of luge are not strangers. Zack DiGregorio of Medway was selected to represent Team USA in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Pairing with Sean Hollander, the tandem finished 11th out of 17 teams in luge doubles.

DiGregorio met Hazell at his first tryout in Medway and encouraged the youngster to get involved with the sport. When Hazell was rejected in his first bid to become a development team member, it was DiGregorio who encouraged him to try again.

“Zack helped me to bounce back and re-visit the tryout process,’’ Hazell noted. “My family was also very supportive of my second effort.’’

Luge is the fastest sport in the winter Olympics. Athletes ride a flat sled through a course face up and feet first. There are no brakes and a sled can reach 90 mph. 

Lugers use their heels to ultimately stop the sled at the end of the course. Competitors use their feet, calves and shoulder muscles to direct the sled. The main steering mechanism is the two elongated runners on which the competitors rest their feet. A slight nudge can drastically shift the sled’s direction. 

“I like luge because there’s plenty of speed, lots of challenges, and it’s fun,’’ Hazell said. “During the fall and winter months, I’ll be at Lake Placid about 6-8 times,’’ he said.

When Hazell was there in June, he trained and worked out in an indoor facility, primarily focusing on starts. He also got his uniform, equipment, had a photo taken and received his credentials. Residing in a dormitory and dining in a cafeteria, he learned to be self-sufficient.

“I was a bit nervous about my first time training at Lake Placid,’’ Hazell offered. “But, I was confident and also excited.’’

A straight-A student, Hazell’s parents (Josh and Beth) aren’t worried about their son’s passion for luge interfering with his academics.

“We’re fortunate that the Medway Middle School has experience dealing with luge athletes,’’ said Josh Hazell. “Sam’s school has been supportive all the way. His academic responsibilities will be a team effort.’’

One attribute that helped Sam Hazell become proficient early on in his luge career is his height — he’s 5-foot-5, tall for a 12-year-old. “Gravity rules the sport,’’ said Josh Hazell. “Being tall helps move the sled on the track and his arm length helps him with the starts.’’

Sam says there are several other keys that he believes will help him as a luger. His list includes improving his luge IQ, enthusiasm, athleticism and being coachable.’’

Hazell has two goals as a luge athlete: to remain on the development team and to become a C-team member in the future.

His roster spot on the development team is for only one year. To retain his spot for subsequent years will involve how proficient he is in competitions and how well his training progresses. Two prime competitions include the Empire State Winter Games in Lake Placid in Feb. 2024 and the Norton National Championships in either Lake Placid or Park City, Utah, in March 2024.

“The C-team candidates are 15-17 year olds,’’ Hazell said. “It’s a step up but you’re eligible to travel and compete internationally and you can qualify to compete in the Youth Winter Olympics up till age 18.’’

Hazell, who has youth league experience in basketball and soccer, may aim for varsity status in those sports when he reaches high-school age. Luge offers other opportunities, like the Olympics, which DiGregorio achieved. “That’s a long way off and it could happen, but it’s not something I stay awake thinking about,’’ he said.

Relying on a competitive philosophy that focuses on winning, reaching his potential and having fun, Hazell says his luge experience has helped him to become a better athlete and it’s built confidence.

A native of Sturbridge, Hazell and his family moved to Medway when he was three. His older sister (Annabelle) is a junior at Medway High and she’s a good athlete, too. She’s played junior varsity soccer and basketball and last spring she ran the 400-meter event and was on the 4x100 relay team that finished sixth in the Division 5 state tourney. That relay team holds the school record with a time of 51.04 seconds.

Like his sister, Hazell hopes he’ll compile some impressive statistics in the year ahead as he learns all the nuances in the luge. He’s pleased that he’s one of 45 prospects chosen to train for the USA Luge Development team out of 800 boys and girls who go to tryout camps.

He’s also delighted that he’s got the full support of his family. “It means everything to me to know that my family cares about my future in luge,’’ he said. “Our motto is ‘Team Hazell.’ That means everyone in the family is all in.’’

Sam Hazell is only 12 years old but the sport he embraces has already taught him so much about life’s ups and downs. He stared defeat and failure in the face but walked away more resilient than ever. 

He’s also learned the importance of being mentally tough — a necessary attribute that someday could propel him to the lofty heights Zack DiGregorio achieved at the Olympics.