Somerset County Wrestling Celebrates Excellence: Holmes Honored
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SOMERSET — May 9, 2024 — Somerset County celebrated its wrestling community’s achievements, honoring individuals and teams at the recent banquet. The event recognized success,with Rowan Holmes earning the Outstanding Wrestler award,alongside other All-Stars. This annual gathering showcased the region’s talented wrestling athletes and their accomplishments. For more details,read on.
Somerset County celebrates Wrestling Excellence: Holmes Honored, All-Stars named
Somerset County’s wrestling community gathered April 27 at the Oakhurst Grille & Event Center to celebrate a season of outstanding achievements. The annual all-county banquet recognized individual and team successes, highlighting the dedication and talent within the region.
Rowan Holmes: A Legacy of Dominance
Did You No?
Rowan Holmes is the first PIAA champion in Somerset Area High School history. His victory marks a notable milestone for the school’s wrestling program.
Somerset senior Rowan Holmes capped off his illustrious high school career by collecting his fourth consecutive Outstanding Wrestler award. This honor underscores his consistent performance and leadership throughout his time on the mat. Holmes, bound for Lehigh University, etched his name in the record books this year.
He scored a reversal in the final seconds of his heavyweight title match against Faith Christian Academy’s Mark Effendian to earn gold.
His senior season was nothing short of spectacular, boasting a 44-1 record and culminating in a career total of 150-22. Holmes’ accomplishments extend beyond the state level. He secured his third straight District 5 Class 2A title, each in a different weight class, and became the first Golden Eagle as 1985 to claim a Southwest Regional crown. Adding to his impressive resume, Holmes also participated in the prestigious 51st Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic and received the Codispoti-Maslak Most Falls Award with 31 pins.
team and Individual Accolades
Pro Tip
Consistent training and strategic planning are key to success in wrestling. Coaches emphasize the importance of both physical and mental readiness.
Beyond Holmes’ individual achievements, other wrestlers and teams were recognized for their contributions to somerset County wrestling. Conemaugh Township sophomore Carter Christ earned the Walter “Pip” Jarosick Fastest Fall Award for a lightning-fast victory in just 9 seconds. Berlin Brothersvalley took home the Somerset County team trophy, awarded for the most wins against fellow county schools.
2024-25 Somerset County Wrestling All-Stars
- Berlin Brothersvalley: Lukas Smith,So., 26-12; Braden Durst (D5 champ), Jr., 34-12; Dawson Shaffer (D5 champ), Fr.,27-10; Carter Durst,Fr., 28-14; trace Hay, sr., 19-8
- Conemaugh Township: Carter Durst, So., 36-7; Dylan Hovanec, Sr., 29-10; Landon ray Romesburg, So., 17-17; Landon Huffman (D5 champ), Fr., 24-12
- meyersdale: Caleb Sines, Fr.,31-12; Cooper Porter,So., 40-10; Caleb Snyder, Jr., 31-11; Gianni Browne, Jr., 25-12; Aurora Comfort, so., 24-11
- North Star: Laikyn Paxton, So., 12-7; Eli Mullen, Jr., 9-13; Colton Frazier, Sr., 20-12; Ian Koval, Jr., 17-10
- Somerset: Rowan Holmes (PIAA champ), Sr., 44-1; Zane Hagans (D5 champ), Sr., 35-12; Deshonn Valentine, Sr., 23-18; Sammy Sheeler, So., 25-16; Adalyn boburchock, so.,14-14
Honorable Mention
Seth Kimmel,Jr., Berlin Brothersvalley, 25-14; Connor Turnbull, So., Conemaugh Township, 18-14; Brennan Schardt, So.,Meyersdale,27-10; Abigail Ickes,So., Meyersdale, 12-15; Drew miller, So., Somerset, 21-15
