There’s never been a 4-time BLITZ Wrestler of the Year. Until now! Roman Belardo, a 4-time State Champion for Jefferson, continues to make history. The Appalachian State signee caps off his amazing high school career.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

47-3 Record
168-17 Career Record
State Champion
4-time State Champ

Roman Belardo was about unstoppable all season. He went 47-3 overall, bringing his career mark to 168-17. The 4-time State Champion almost always left the mat as the top wrestler. This year, he grappled in the 138-lb bracket.

VOTING RESULTS

1. Roman Belardo – 73 pts (12 1st-place votes)
2. Dallas Russell – 44 pts (2)
3. Paxon Legatt – 41 pts (1)
4. Josh Baughcrum – 29 pts (2)

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

Every grappler received at least a 1st-place vote, though Belardo took 12 of them. Teammate Russell was 2nd overall.

HISTORY OF WRESLTER OF THE YEAR

• 2025-26 – Roman Belardo – Jefferson SR
• 2024-25 – Roman Belardo – Jefferson JR
• 2023-24 – Roman Belardo – Jefferson SO
• 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

Belardo was already the only 3-time winner, but now becomes the first 4-time winner also. He is the fifth straight Jefferson winner, and sixth overall.

WHO WILL WIN IT NEXT YEAR?

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