Nazareth's Sage Karam Goes From Mat to Race Track

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Sage Karam after the race Saturday at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. (CHRIS JONES, INDYCAR / October 20, 2013)

I will be the first to admit I don’t know a whole lot about the sport of Racing. But what I do know is that Sage Karam, like Ron Burgundy once said, is “kind of a big deal.”

Sage Karam is a National and International star in the IndyCar circuit and was the 2013 IndyCar Lights Series Champion. At age 18 Karam already has his own Wikipedia page, won a seven figure prize, and is considered one of the best American IndyCar racers.

The Nazareth Area senior is also a key component to the #2 State ranked Blue Eagles. Karam not only thrives on the track but also on the mat. He has twice finished in fourth place at the North East Regional Tournament, falling just one win short of qualifying for the PIAA State Tournament. This season Karam is (13-2) competing at 145 lbs. and has been ranked Top Ten in the State. Karam began the season by capturing the Nazareth Invitational Championship at 145 lbs. by defeating current #8 State ranked Joe Staley (Methacton) in the finals (10-7). Competing in the Beast of the East Karam went (4-2) but followed that up by winning the Bethlehem Liberty Hurricane Holiday Classic in a deep 145 lbs. weight-class.

Then the New Year came and Sage, the son of Bethlehem Liberty head coach Jody Karam and nephew of Bethlehem Catholic head coach Jeff Karam,  got an exciting phone call that offered to further his already blossoming racing career. According to The Express-Times’ Corky Blake, Sage will be racing in the 52nd Rolex 24 in Daytona, FL on January 25-26. Karam will be one of eight drivers for the legendary Chip Ganassi Racing. Read the full article here.

Therefore the talented wrestler will miss the month of January for the Blue Eagles who take on #7 State ranked Cumberland Valley on Saturday. However, after competing in the Rolex 24, Karam plans to return to the mat for Nazareth by February 7th, just in time for the PIAA State Dual Team Championships in Hershey, PA.

According to IndyStar’s Curt Cavin, “Karam is a senior at Nazareth (Pa.) High School, and his wrestling season is on hold due to the Daytona sports car race. He’s 13-2 in the 145-pound class and is hoping to rejoin his team at the state finals Feb. 7”

Even with his focus and future based behind the wheel, Sage has the unique opportunity to finish his high school wrestling career on a high note. Karam would certainly be a favorite to place top 3 at the NE Regional Individual Tournament and earn his first trip to Hershey. Only time will tell for this young superstar who one day plans on winning the Indy 500.

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