Blumberger Commits to Bloomsburg

Senior Sam Blumberger signing his letter of intent to play soccer at Bloomsburg University.

 Sam Blumberger, a senior at Bacon Academy, recently signed his National Letter of Intent to play soccer at Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, PA.
           
“I am extremely excited to announce that I have committed to further my academic and athletic career at Bloomsburg University,” stated Blumberger. “I’d like to thank all of my coaches, friends, teammates, and especially my family for helping me.”
           
Blumberger, a four-year varsity player with the Bobcats, earned all-conference this fall after leading the team in both goals and assists. 
           
“Sam is never satisfied,” Bacon Academy soccer head coach Skip Starks said. “Sam's relentless desire to improve in all facets of his play will certainly allow him success as he begins his college level play this fall. “
           
Blumberger said he chose Bloomsburg because the university had an ideal blend of academic and athletic needs, adding, “It was a perfect fit for me.” 
           
He will study business and law and will join his new Huskies teammates next fall, playing for second-year head coach Mark Bassett who led the team to nine wins during his first season on the sidelines. 
           
“Coach [Bassett] reached out and I went up to camp and played well,” recalled Blumberger, who then went back for an official visit and made the decision. 
           
Blumberger’s list of athletic accomplishments at Bacon Academy is vast, also playing basketball, lacrosse, and participating in Unified Sports.
           
“Sam's legacy, as part of the Class of 2022, will be felt for years to come,” added Starks.  “The younger players have learned from his example on the field as an elite player and off the field as a top student and volunteer contributor to our community.”
           
Outside of athletics, Blumberger is part of DECA (a business club) and PAL (personal leadership club).  
           
This past fall was both successful as an individual and from a team standpoint. Bacon Academy won 11 regular season games and two state tournament contests, finishing as the No. 3 ranked team in Class M, as Blumberger was named to the All-Eastern Connecticut Conference (ECC) first-team.
           
His high school coach added that as good as his talents are, his drive is even better.       
           
“Very few players come back to the field after practice when everyone has gone home to improve specific aspects of their game. I have witnessed Sam do just that,” said coach Starks  “Great players do the additional work without being instructed to do so and Sam is an example of that top-level player.  His coaching staff at Bloomsburg is adding a player ready to play, learn, work and succeed.”
           
Blumberger said he will miss his friends and the environment surrounding high school sports the most, but is ready for the next challenge, adding, “I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a kid.”
           
Before leaving for Pennsylvania, Blumberger is still doing his part to help the community of Colchester and beyond. 
           
For the past four years, he has organized and ran a sock drive—”Stars, Socks & Stripes” —collecting socks for military veterans in need through the American Legion.
           
​The drive is currently collecting socks through April 18 with donation boxes at Bacon Academy High School, Craigin Memorial Library, and the Colchester Town Hall.