MINT HILL, NC – Stories of success are measured in many different ways, but one local couple has hit the “jackpot” of life. They have one of the most fascinating stories that you have ever heard. Their love for life and their Lord has taken them to amazing places.
Sam and Connie Greiner are a local couple with four children: Charli Belles, Journi FAItH, Brahean Murphy, and their latest addition Elijah Rock. Sam is a Physical Education teacher and Head Football Coach for West Charlotte High School. Connie is a manager at a local retail chain and her dedication to her family as a mother stands as her first priority, and it shows with clear colors. The love that this couple has for their family is captivating as is their love for the Lord. “All we ask is to have FAItH of a mustard seed, then we can move mountains!” says Sam Greiner, clearly stating his family’s motivation.
Sam and Connie Greiner have had many success stories over their years together starting with the love they share for the Lord, their passion for their careers, and their dedication to family, but one story has everyone in America watching them on the big screen each week. Sam and Connie recently made their big-screen debut on The Amazing Race, an American adventure reality TV show that airs weekly on NBC. The adventure game features 11 teams of two that race around the world performing all different types of challenges. The challenges are divided into “legs” of the race, with each leg requiring contestants to perform mental and physical activities with clues provided to them. Teams are eliminated at the end of each leg with most eliminated teams being the ones that arrive last at the “Pit Stops.” The race continues until three teams remain, and the last team standing who arrives at the finish line is awarded a grand prize.
This Amazing Race has been an opportunity that the Greiners never expected to be a part of their story, but to their surprise, through social media, they were asked to apply to be contestants for the upcoming season. Sam and Connie were totally surprised when they got the invitation to Los Angeles, but they went to their audition. Big dreams were in their eyes, and like other challenges they have faced in life whether as children or as a couple they have always been ready to accept. Once in Los Angeles, the audition process started, and before they headed home, the couple knew they were about to start one of the biggest adventures of their life. They had been selected as one of the 11 Teams of Season 33 of The Amazing Race.
They packed their bags and sent them off, awaiting the call for the big day. That day came, and for one of the first times in Amazing Race history, the teams each flew out of local airports. Sam and Connie raced to Charlotte Douglas Airport where they had the opportunity to also meet up with two other teams that were flying from our local airport. The experience of meeting them at the airport was one of bonding in excitement. This was one of the most spontaneous adventures any of the teams have ever been on. The adrenaline was high, and the race was on.
At the airport, each team received their first clue: find a taxi once landed and find Phil. Once Sam and Connie landed, they raced out to grab a taxi; to their surprise he thought he knew a “shortcut” to their destination, but trusting him proved to be a costly mistake. The emotions were so high as they arrived, and they knew that the cab ride was an hour more than expected. Where did the place? They ended up coming in as the 7th team in the race, and for all the obstacles that occurred, they were feeling like the next day could only get better. As the second day came, they were nearly an hour behind, and they knew they had to push through even stronger. The challenge the following day was one that Sam and Connie excelled at and proved that their physical and mental ability was as strong as their bond. They were able to pull out a great victory and came in 2nd in that leg of the race. Stay tuned to The Amazing Race to show your support for this wonderful couple.
