Chet Sample’s arrival at Wayland in 1964 heralded the beginning of what would become a lifelong relationship with college athletics and academics. A graduate of Seminole High School, Sample quickly established himself as a leader not only of the Pioneer basketball team, but also of the Wayland student body. He was named team Most Valuable Player and NAIA All-District 8 in 1966, 1967 and 1968, establishing new team records for career scoring (1,808 points) and career scoring average in the process. In 1967, Sample was an NAIA All-American. He was also Junior Class President, Junior Class Favorite, and received the Spinning Wheels leadership award as a junior and senior.
     After completing a baccalaureate degree in physical education in 1968, Sample was a Sergeant in the United States Army from 1969-71. He taught and coached at Freer High School for one year, then served as assistant basketball coach at Sul Ross State University, completing the Master of Arts degree in 1973.Tow years later, Sample completed the Doctor of Education degree at East Texas State University and became Chair of the Health and Physical Education Department of Langston University. In 1976, Sample returned to Sul Ross State as Director of Athletics and Department Chair, a position he held until becoming Dean of Professional Studies in 1997.
     Throughout his career, Sample has distinguished himself at the university, district, and national levels. He was named NAIA National Athletics Administrator of the Year in 1996, NAIA District Chair from 1983-87, Texas Intercollegiate Athletics Association Chair three times, and Conference Coach of the Year five times. His teams won four women’s conference championships, one men’s conference title, and advanced to the NAIA National Women’s Championship Tournament once.