4A Senior Wrestler of the Year - 2005

ROSS TAPLIN
Abilene High School

Ross Taplin of Abilene finished his career as one of the state’s premier wrestlers, winning his third state title.

Taplin won tournament titles his senior year at Wamego, Clay Center, Emporia, Herington, the Bobcat Classic, Beloit, and the Baldwin Invitationals. He was named OW at Emporia and the Bobcat Classic. He also was an All-American placing fourth in Cleveland, Ohio.

In his career, Taplin finished 144-6 and was a four-time state placer (5th, 1st, 1st, 1st). He was the first freshman in Abilene history to win over 30 matches and the first junior at Abilene to make the “100-Win Club.”

Taplin also was a freestyle All-American in Fargo and a Brute Adidas National Champion.

He is currently wrestling for the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Taplin was an all-league football player on offense and defense and had a 3.66 GPA.