Statistics and attitude are the two elements that make an athlete great, and Sam Cross displays both on and off the field. Cross has the athletism and team sportsmanship qualities that every player needs. Cross encourages every single one of his teammates to do better and become their best self no matter what task is thrown at them. 

“Sam is a great leader on our team, voted a captain by his teammates because he gives 100% every play in all facets of the game and has been a huge part of our program’s success since playing varsity as a sophomore”, said Coach Markway. 

Cross treats everyone around him with respect and is extremely humble with his victories. He has extreme focus and the perfect mindset of a team player. 

“I was thinking about the first play, and how I just need that first play to get rid of the butterflies. I was also thinking about the team and how we are going to face adversity. Lastly, just getting myself locked in and focused is what helps me do my best,” said Sam Cross. 

Cross scored 4 touchdowns this last Friday, one of which opened the scoring for the 2022 season. The team won 49-12 at the home opener against St. Charles West.  

“I was not surprised by Sam’s performance because I know the caliber of player that he is, although I was impressed by the incredible stat line that he had…scoring touchdowns in every phase of the game.  That is the first time in my 21 years of coaching high school that a player on our team has scored an offensive, defensive and special team touchdown in the same game”, said Coach Markway. 

Cross is the one to watch this football season for sure, but also the rest of his football career. Sam has offers from Culver Stockton and Quincy University. Cross has a bright future ahead of him and the St. Dominic community is  so excited to see how the rest of his football season will go.