Hall of Fame Inductees
Rowlands, Tommy
Tommy Rowlands
- Induction:
- 2013
Wrestling 2001-04
The first four-time All-American in Ohio State wrestling history, Tommy Rowlands, a native of Hilliard, Ohio, was a two-time NCAA heavyweight champion in 2002 and 2004 under head coach Russ Hellickson. Lettering for the Buckeyes from 2001-04, Rowlands won a pair of Big Ten titles in 2002 and 2004. The two-time All-Big Ten honoree (2002 and 2004) immediately showed promise on the collegiate level when he was recognized as the 2011 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. During all four years of his collegiate career, Rowlands competed in the prestigious NWCA All-Star event, which pitted the No. 1 and No. 2 wrestlers in each weight class against each other. Rowlands was undefeated in the event. All-time, Rowlands’ 44 victories at the conclusion of his senior season places him fourth on the Ohio State season wins list. During that same season, Rowlands finished his campaign with a .977 win percentage after posting a 44-1 record. His 203.5 team points compiled in 2004 remain an Ohio State best, while his 228 takedowns in his final year also is tops in Buckeye history. In the career ranks, Rowlands’ 164 total wins is the best in program annals. Rowlands’ career team points (702) and takedowns (705) continues to be the pinnacle of success in Ohio State history, while his career win percentage of .921 places him in the Top 4. Following his collegiate career at Ohio State, Rowlands had a successful international run as a six-time member of the U.S. National Team and was a two-time Olympic alternate in 2008 and 2012.
The first four-time All-American in Ohio State wrestling history, Tommy Rowlands, a native of Hilliard, Ohio, was a two-time NCAA heavyweight champion in 2002 and 2004 under head coach Russ Hellickson. Lettering for the Buckeyes from 2001-04, Rowlands won a pair of Big Ten titles in 2002 and 2004. The two-time All-Big Ten honoree (2002 and 2004) immediately showed promise on the collegiate level when he was recognized as the 2011 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. During all four years of his collegiate career, Rowlands competed in the prestigious NWCA All-Star event, which pitted the No. 1 and No. 2 wrestlers in each weight class against each other. Rowlands was undefeated in the event. All-time, Rowlands’ 44 victories at the conclusion of his senior season places him fourth on the Ohio State season wins list. During that same season, Rowlands finished his campaign with a .977 win percentage after posting a 44-1 record. His 203.5 team points compiled in 2004 remain an Ohio State best, while his 228 takedowns in his final year also is tops in Buckeye history. In the career ranks, Rowlands’ 164 total wins is the best in program annals. Rowlands’ career team points (702) and takedowns (705) continues to be the pinnacle of success in Ohio State history, while his career win percentage of .921 places him in the Top 4. Following his collegiate career at Ohio State, Rowlands had a successful international run as a six-time member of the U.S. National Team and was a two-time Olympic alternate in 2008 and 2012.
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