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PRAIRIE DU SAC, WISCONSIN (September 21, 2026) – Mueller Sports Medicine has announced Samuel “Sam” Bruss, a wrestler from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, as the recipient of the 2026 Mueller Sports Medicine REVIVE Award, recognizing collegiate student-athletes who have demonstrated extraordinary resilience in overcoming adversity. Bruss was selected for a journey that transformed a life-threatening tragedy into one of collegiate athletics’ most inspiring comeback stories.
A native of De Pere, Wisconsin, and graduate of De Pere High School, Bruss was pursuing his collegiate wrestling career when a devastating accident changed his life. The crash left him with a fractured pelvis and severe internal organ damage. Medical professionals told him he would likely never wrestle again. For an athlete whose identity had been built around competition, discipline, and perseverance, the prognosis was heartbreaking.
Many would have accepted that outcome. Sam Bruss did not.
Instead of walking away from the sport he loved, Bruss committed himself to a lengthy and demanding recovery process. While pursuing his master’s degree at the University of Mary, he remained connected to the wrestling program as a graduate assistant coach, continuing to support his teammates and contribute to the program while rebuilding his strength one day at a time. His recovery required countless hours of rehabilitation, determination, and mental toughness.
Month after month, Bruss focused on small victories. The goal was not simply to heal — it was to prove that the limitations others placed upon him would not define his future. His perseverance ultimately led to what many believed was impossible: a return to collegiate competition.
In one of the most celebrated moments in recent University of Mary athletics history, Bruss stepped back onto the mat and won his first home dual since the accident. As “Cinderella Man” echoed through the arena speakers, his return symbolized far more than a wrestling match. It represented years of sacrifice, resilience, and an unwavering belief that setbacks do not determine outcomes.
“Sam’s story perfectly embodies the spirit of the REVIVE Award,” said John Cayer, Mueller Sports Medicine President. “He faced circumstances that would have ended most athletic careers. Instead, he chose to fight through the pain, uncertainty, and setbacks to achieve what many thought was impossible.”
As the 2026 REVIVE Award winner, Bruss will receive a $10,000 NIL deal from Mueller Sports Medicine, while the University of Mary will receive a custom Mueller Recovery Room to support student-athlete recovery and performance. Together, the awards recognize Bruss’ remarkable perseverance and help extend the impact of his story to future Marauders athletes.
Bruss’ story resonates far beyond the wrestling community. It is a story for every athlete facing injury, every student facing adversity, and every person working to overcome circumstances beyond their control. His comeback has inspired teammates, coaches, classmates, and communities spanning from De Pere, Wisconsin, to Bismarck, North Dakota.
The Mueller Sports Medicine REVIVE Award was created to honor collegiate student-athletes who exemplify perseverance and the ability to overcome significant obstacles while inspiring others through their actions. Bruss’ journey from a hospital bed to competitive collegiate wrestling stands as a powerful example of the values the award was designed to celebrate, while the new Mueller Recovery Room ensures his recognition will have a lasting impact on future University of Mary athletes.
Mueller Sports Medicine is a long-time member and supporter of NSGA. Founder Curt Mueller is a member of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame.
