Musher Details

Sam Paperman, 22, (Rookie) was born in Anchorage. He got his start at Turning Heads Kennel in Seward and Knik, Alaska, helping train and care for 65 dogs. Sam has raced in several Iditarod qualifiers, including the Jr. Iditarod. Asked about his start in mushing, Sam says, I grew up across the street from Travis Beals and loved hanging out in his dog yard. Then when I turned fourteen, I started working for him and started running in 2019.” Sam adds, “Travis Beals is one of my biggest mentors and supporters. He has dedicated a lot of time to helping me become the musher that I am today.” Sam credits Travis’ mentorship in top notch dog care, as well as “surviving outside in crazy weather and temperatures.” For Sam, the Iditarod represents the opportunity “to go on an awesome journey with my dogs and see what they’re capable of.” Sam’s other interests include backcountry skiing, biking, and hiking. He is also a volunteer with the Bear Creek Fire Department. Sam works as a QMED on the RV Sikuliaq, a research vessel operated by the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Sam thanks the many friends and family who have supported him.

Website: www.turningheadskennel.com
Social: Facebook–Sam Paperman, Instagram–Sam_Paperman

SPONSORS:

METCO Alaska
FV Chandalar
my parents,
RV Sikuliaq Crew members