Nick Roberts won a national title at the NCAA Division II level last season (Photo/Ali Single)Nick Roberts, 2016 NCAA Division II wrestling champ for the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, was found dead in his on-campus apartment Saturday evening. He was 23.
The Pennsylvania State Police and Cambria County Coroner's office are investigating the death, with an autopsy scheduled for Monday. Foul play is "absolutely not suspected," according to Tammy Barbin, Pitt-Johnstown's executive director of community and public relations.
The Pitt-Johnstown wrestling team competed in the NCAA Division II Super Regional on Saturday at Mercyhurst, but Roberts was not in the lineup due to a knee injury earlier this season that ended his competitive career, the Tribune-Democrat reported.
Long-time UPJ head wrestling coach Pat Pecora met with his team members late Saturday to inform them of Roberts' passing.
Pitt-Johnstown President Jem Spectar issued the following statement Saturday night:
"It is with great sadness that I share with you the loss of one of our university family, Nick Roberts. The death occurred earlier this evening in his room. The cause of death is not known at this time, but foul play is not suspected.
"Nick is a senior in the class of 2017. We also know Nick as a standout member of our Mountain Cat wrestling team.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, family, friends and loved ones.
"More information will follow as it becomes available.
"Counseling services will be available throughout the day Sunday in the Student Union."
Born in December 1993 in Pennsylvania, Nicholas Roberts was a three-time PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) AA state champ for North Star High School in Somerset County, compiling a career record of 146-10. Roberts was a two-time Junior World Team member who placed fifth in the world, a four-time Fargo Champion, and 2010 Asics First-Team All-American.
Roberts launched his collegiate career at Ohio State. During the 2012-13 season, Roberts took a redshirt, compiling a 22-5 overall record in open tournaments. In his redshirt freshman season (2013-14), Roberts joined the Buckeye starting lineup at 125 pounds, scoring 28 victories and qualifying for the 2014 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.
Roberts transferred to Pitt-Johnstown prior to the 2015-16 season. After sitting out the first semester, Roberts made a splash in NCAA Division II wrestling, winning the Super Region I Championship and the National title at 133 pounds in Sioux Falls, S.D. by defeating Nick Crume of the University of Indianapolis, 4-3, in the finals. Last season, Roberts was 19-1 overall and 11-1 in dual meets. Of his 19 wins, eight came by way of major decision and three by fall.
"This is very sad news," USA Wrestling National Freestyle Coach Bill Zadick, who coached Roberts on two Junior World Teams, told that organization's website. "I enjoyed having him on my first two Junior World Teams. He was very outgoing, a fun kid to be around. He was a great addition to our teams. Not only was he an excellent wrestler, but he was a great teammate. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his team and his coaches.
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