Throughout the years, many have tried and failed to copy the greatness of South Carroll’s Jojo Gigliotti. On Saturday, the University of Maryland commit did some copying of his own as he tried to figure out how to celebrate making history.
“I was talking to Ant [Anthony Rodrigues] about it, and I decided to do what he did sophomore year,” Gigliotti said.
Gigliotti beat Middletown’s Brodie Burdette via 17-2 technical fall to become the first Carroll County wrestler to win four individual state championships, capturing the Class 2A/1A 138-pound title.
He also became the first Maryland high school wrestler ever to win four individual titles and be part of four dual wrestling state championship teams, cementing his legacy with a 47-0 senior season.
“No one can handle the pace we wrestle at,” Gigliotti said while standing next to his teammates. “We like to get after it, score and put up numbers.”
After the win, and an impressive throw of the headgear to the crowd, he pointed at every camera he could find and shouted, “That’s what we do, we’re the best, SC Prep baby,” sending the message that what he helped build at South Carroll has been special — and now historic — with the perfect man setting the tone and paving the way for the next generation of Cavaliers.
“Jojo is just so special, being able to not only get it done for himself, but lift everybody around him,” South Carroll coach Bryan Hamper said. “There’s a reason why our team’s so good, and it’s everyone that touches JoJo.”
Landon Hamper wins third state championship
It was a busy day for Coach Hamper, as four South Carroll wrestlers walked away with state championships.
The night started with his son Landon, who won his third state championship with a 4-3 decision over Xavier Nichols of Hammond to capture the Class 2A/1A 215-pound title with his father once again in his corner.
South Carroll's Landon Hamper, right, and Hammond's Xavier Nichols compete in the 2A/1A 215-pound final. (Brian Krista/Staff)
“I really just stayed calm and tried to get the night started for us,” Landon said. “I just wanted to come out and end my career on a high note.”
Set to join Gigliotti at Maryland, Hamper’s high school career ended with a familiar sight for those who have watched him through the years: jumping into the arms of his father, who had tears in his eyes knowing that his son would join him on the short list of the greatest wrestlers Carroll County has ever seen.
“The way he’s developed over the last four years is just remarkable,” Bryan said. “Capping it off with a third straight state championship is super exciting. I’m just thankful to have had the opportunity to sit in his corner.”
Another Rodrigues adds to family legacy with second state title
A South Carroll standout named Rodrigues wrestling in a state final was nothing new, as that has been the case for more than five years. This time, it was the youngest of the three brothers, Anthony, wrestling for a state title after a back injury hindered the 2023 state champion last season.
“We’ve always known that he can beat any single person on any single day,” Hamper said. “I’m just so happy for him that he was able to go out the way he deserves.”
Rodrigues put in the work in rehab and on the mat, finishing his senior season 38-8 and as the Class 2A/1A 165-pound state champion after defeating Carter Canale of Middletown via a 4-1 decision.
South Carroll's Anthony Rodrigues celebrates his win over Middletown's Carter Canale in the 2A/1A 165-pound final. (Brian Krista/Staff)
With brother Manny (McDaniel) in attendance and brother AJ (Maryland) wrestling at the Big Ten championships in State College, Pennsylvania, Anthony added to the long list of family achievements with his second state championship — one that came after blood, sweat and tears and a character-defining late-season run to the top of the MPSSAA podium.
“It was all mental, man,” Rodrigues said. “I was in like a midseason crisis. I didn’t want to wrestle. I had no motivation. Eventually, we sorted it all out, and I came back to wrestle for a bigger purpose. That’s how I won.”
While little sister Addy is a sophomore, parents Dalin and Tony Rodrigues have confirmed that the all-county softball selection will, in fact not be hitting the wrestling mats, marking the end of what has been a fruitful, championship-filled partnership between South Carroll wrestling and the Rodrigues family.
The future is now: Davy Snyder’s moment arrives with the first state championship
Perhaps the quietest of the rambunctious South Carroll group might be Davy Snyder. With more than 110 career wins as a junior, he does his talking on the mat, and Saturday was no different.
“He’s one of those kids who gets better every single day,” Hamper said. “He’s a quiet leader. He does everything the right way.”
Snyder defeated Tobias White of Middletown in overtime to win the Class 2A/1A 157-pound title, his first after being a two-time state placer.
South Carroll's Davy Snyder celebrates his win over Middletown's Tobias White in the 2A/1A 157-pound final. (Brian Krista/Staff)
Snyder finished the year 48-2. He has often been called “next up” on the list of South Carroll greats. Not only is he ready to take that mantle, but Saturday served as the coronation for Snyder, who isn’t just the future anymore — he’s the present.
“This was always a goal of mine, so it feels great to finally achieve it,” Snyder said. “It’s time to carry this momentum on and lead us next year. It’s my time.”
Manchester Valley’s Chloe Chwang caps undefeated season with state title
Many talented girls have tried and failed to reach the top of the state podium in recent years in Carroll County as the sport continues to grow in numbers and skill.
Manchester Valley’s Chloe Chwang knew that she could do it and put in the work to make it happen.
“It all started in the summer,” Chwang said. “All the open mats, I’ve put in the work and have been going into matches so confident. That’s what helped me the most this year.”
Manchester Valley's Chloe Chwang celebrates her win over Walter Johnson's Sonia Pegoue in the girls' 135-pound final. (Brian Krista/Staff)
Chwang’s hard work paid off, culminating in a 30-0 record and the Girls 135-pound state championship. She defeated Sonia Pegoue 6-5 to bring the championship home to Manchester Valley, adding to the list of five Carroll County wrestlers who walked away from The Showplace Arena with a state championship in 2026.
“She wrestles so free,” Manchester Valley girls wrestling coach Rob Pearre said. “Whether she’s up 14-0 or down, she just loves to wrestle. I couldn’t be more proud.”
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