Perry’s Rowan repeats as top N-H wrestler

Billy Miller was right. A handful of years ago while watching junior high wrestler Kyle Rowan drill, Miller — a senior at Perry — made a prediction that by time Rowan was a senior, he’d break records and do great things.

Six years later, Miller’s words have come true.

Unless something unforeseen changes and the state wrestling tournament comes off an indefinite suspension to deal with the spreading of novel coronavirus, Rowan’s career at Perry is over.

And what a career it’s been. Rowan ran up a 33-3 record this season, won a handful of tournaments and was in line to wrestle for his second straight state championship when COVID-19 hit.

For that, he is the 2019-20 News-Herald wrestler of the year for the second straight year.

“It’s an honor to be the wrestler of the year,” Rowan said.

“I want to thank all the wrestlers in the program and my family for all they’ve done for me. I wouldn’t have accomplished anywhere near as much without them.”

Two of Rowan’s losses this year were to Louisville’s Garrett Lautzenheiser. They were considered the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked Division II 120-pounders in the state when the season came to a halt.

“That’s unfortunate,” Rowan said. “I really would have liked a rematch with him. I think I would have gotten him this time.”

With three wins at the Division II district tournament in Alliance, Rowan achieved his 165th career wins (against 17 defeats), thus eclipsing the former

“That’s unfortunate. I really would have liked a rematch with him. I think I would have gotten him this time.” — Perry’s Kyle Rowan, on a potential rematch with Louisville’s Garrett Lautzenheiser, which is unlikely to happen

school record for wins (163) held by Alec Schenk.

He has signed a national letter of intent to wrestle at Stanford, a venture he is looking forward to beginning.

“Time’s gone fast,” Rowan said. “It feels like, I was just a freshman. I’ve loved every bit of it here at Perry, but I’m looking forward to what’s next.”

Rowan