BLITZ Wrestler of the Year: Roman Belardo

Posted on March 22, 2023 by blitzsportsga Leave a comment

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Roman Belardo did absolutely everything he needed to in order to convince us that he is Wrestler of the Year worthy. Now it’s official, as the freshman takes Wrestler of the Year honors.

BUY FRAMED PRINT – ROMAN BELARDO

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

State Champion in 113 LB in Class 5A
41-5 Overall Record
Region/Area Champion
Defeated Defending Champ 3 times
Defeated Defending Champ from Buford 2 times

Take a full look at this resume. Roman Belardo placed in every single tournament for the Dragons, helping lift Jefferson to state titles in Traditionals and Duals. He was the individual State Champion in the 113-lb class, went 41-5 overall, and was his region/area champ as well. Furthermore, his state title win as a freshman now sets him up as a possible future 4-time state champ – a rare feat. He defeated last year’s state champion 3 times during the season, and defeated a defending state champion from Buford twice. What a season!

VOTING RESULTS

Roman Belardo – 73 pts (12 1st-place votes)
Dallas Russell – 52.5 pts (2)
Austin Marshall – 28 pts
Kevin Walley – 23.5 pts (3)
Nathan Nielsen – 14.5 pts
Payton Legatt – 12.5 pts

Voting included our 17-person panel made up of sports reporters, writers, video producers, former coaches, players, GHSA officials, and sports experts. The voting is Heisman-style, with the following points system:
1st place votes: 5 pts; 2nd: 3 pts; 3rd: 2 pts; 4th: 1 pts; 5th-6th: 0.5 pts; 7th-8th 0.25 pts

Roman Belardo took a runaway win in the voting by edging his teammate Dallas Russell, another freshman. Belardo took 12 1st-place tallies, and Russell took 2. Kevin Walley took 3 1st-place votes and finished 4th in the voting.

HISTORY OF BOYS WOY

2022-23 – Roman Belardo – Jefferson FR
2021-22 – Sammy Brown – Jefferson SO
2020-21 – Devin Sullens – White Co SR
2019-20 – Nolan Wheeler – Lumpkin Co SR
2018-19 – Ryan Hurd – Jefferson SR
2017-18 – Chase Forrester – Commerce SR
2016-17 – Zach Matthews – Lumpkin Co SR
2015-16 – Zach Matthews – Lumpkin Co JR
2014-15 – Chris McCrackin – Banks Co JR
2013-14 – Chance McClure – Commerce SR
2012-13 – Chance McClure – Commerce JR
2011-12 – Coleman Cunningham – Habersham Central SR
2010-11 – Caleb Morris – White Co JR
2009-10 – Caleb Morris – White Co SO

Roman Belardo becomes the first-ever freshman to win Wrestler of the Year! That’s impressive in and of itself. He’s the second straight and third overall from Jefferson to claim the hardware.