Somerset's Holmes named Most Outstanding Wrestler at All-County banquet
SOMERSET — Somerset's Rowan Holmes had a breakout season on the mats. The freshman went 27-12 at 172 pounds, finishing District 5 Class 2A runner-up. He finished fifth at the Southwest Regional, advancing to the PIAA tournament.
Now, Holmes has another accolade to add to his already growing list. He was named the inaugural Nick Roberts Outstanding Wrestler Award winner at the annual Somerset All-County banquet on Sunday at Oakhurst Grille & Event Center.
"It is an honor," said the soft-spoken Holmes of the award. "I was surprised to get it over (Trevor) Donaldson. He did really well this season."
Roberts won three PIAA Class 2A wrestling championships, and finished third in his other trip to Hershey. He won championships at 103, 112 and 120 pounds. Roberts compiled a 146-10 record in high school. He also captured four freestyle and Greco-Roman national titles. Roberts went on to win an NCAA Division II championship at 133 pounds at Pitt-Johnstown in 2016. He died in February 2017 at the age of 23.
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Taylor Cahill, a former standout wrestler at Berlin Brothersvalley, who is co-owner of The Shop, came up with the idea to rename the award after Roberts. Gavin Teasdale, a four-time PIAA champion who currently works at The Shop, presented the award to Holmes along with North Star coach Sal Lascari V.
Holmes and Donaldson, a senior from Meyersdale, were the only two county wrestlers to advance to the state tournament. Holmes put in the work throughout the season to better himself and continue his maturation on the mats.
"Going to practice every day was always fun," he said. "I always had a great time being around my teammates."
Holmes' freshmen year was definitely a season of firsts, highlighted by the trip to Hershey.
"It was different, definitely bigger than anything I've ever been to before," he said of wrestling at the Giant Center.
He is hoping to build on this season, setting a major goal before he finishes his career.
"I want to get 100 wins by the end of my senior season," Holmes said.
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Four squads had three first-team all-county selections.
Holmes was joined by Somerset teammates Ethan Hemminger (25-9) and Zane Hagans (22-11). The Golden Eagles went 8-5 this season and 3-0 against county opponents.
Berlin Brothersvalley's Grant Mathias (33-9), Landon Ulderich (21-15) and Hunter Cornell (22-12) led the Mountaineers. Berlin finished 7-4 overall and 3-1 against Somerset County squads.
The two teams were named county co-champs. Berlin was also the county champ a season ago.
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Conemaugh Township's Austin Blackner (22-11), Ryan Thomas (22-9) and Tristen Hawkins (25-11) were first-team honorees.
Meanwhile, North Star's Colton Frazier (22-6), Cameron Snoeberger (22-9) and Timmy Tretter (27-8) rounded out the first team.
Berlin's Nic Gerber (14-14), Conemaugh Township's Colten Huffman (17-11), Meyersdale's Kyle Robertson (13-10), North Star's Aiden Wojnaroski (15-11) and Somerset's Logan Baker (21-14) each received honorable mention.
Mathias earned the Codispoti-Maslak Most Falls Award with 20 while teammate Cody Kimmel picked up the Walter “Pip” Jarosick Fastest Fall Award for a 12-second victory.
Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on Twitter @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Top wrestlers honored at Somerset All-County banquet
