Rob Belville
Class of 2000
The proud New Milford High School wrestling program boasts a rich tradition. No Green Wave wrestler better exemplifies that level of excellence than Rob Belville.
On the heels of older brother Josh’s own strong Green Wave mat career, Rob established standards for all NMHS wrestlers to follow. He posted a 26-10 record as a freshman prodigy, including high finishes in the NMHS invitational and the South-West Conference, and improved his technique and mat performance each season to follow.
By the time he graduated in 2000, Rob had accumulated an overall record of 150-22 and had earned numerous SWC, state and New England honors. His win total easily had surpassed previous frontrunner Wayne Reid on the Green Wave’s all-time list. Even through 2017, Rob still ranked fourth all-time for NMHS even though ensuing standout wrestlers have competed in many more matches each year.
Rob quickly ascended into the ranks of the state’s elite during his sophomore season, posting an overall record of 42-5 as the Green Wave MVP, and winning his weight class in the New Milford tournament and the SWC meet. He capped the campaign with second place in state class ‘LL’ and fifth place at the state open.
His 38-6 junior season proved a case of near-misses as he won the NMHS tournament again but settled for silver medals as a 135-pounder in the SWC, state class ‘LL’ and state open tournaments. He was again voted as the Green Wave’s MVP.
Whatever work he might have left undone on the mat as a junior was taken care of during a bravura senior season. His brilliant 44-1 run at 140 pounds began with gold-medal triumphs in the prestigious Cunene and Norwalk tournaments and in NMHS’ own invitational. He then capped his SWC career by winning his weight-class in the league tournament, in the process bringing home Most Outstanding Wrestler and SWC Wrestler of the Year honors.
Rob continued his peerless wrestling with title performances at the state ‘LL’ and state open tournaments, on each occasion claiming ‘Best Wrestler’ laurels.
A narrow loss by decision in the New England tournament semifinals proved his only defeat of the campaign. Rob overcame his disappointment to earn third place in his final Green Wave action.
Rob Belville proceeded to wrestle at Sacred Heart University, highlighting his collegiate career during his junior season by advancing to the Round of 32 in the 2003 NCAA Division I tournament.
