The HERD Alumni Foundation is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the Wilkins-Roche Herdsman Scholarship, awarded to graduating Mountain Lakes football players who exemplify the leadership, dedication, character, and commitment that define the Herdsman tradition.
The 2026 scholarship recipients (for the Herd ’25 season) are:
Vinny Cina
Romano De Conciliis
Carson Fitch
Aaron Gellert
Holden Gillespie
The awards were presented at the 2026 Mountain Lakes High School Scholarship Ceremony, held on Tuesday, June 9, at Mountain Lakes High School. Several of last year’s Wilkins-Roche Herdsman Scholarship recipients presented the awards, continuing the tradition of Herdsmen supporting Herdsmen. Former longtime coach Charlie Roche, one of the scholarship’s namesakes, was also in attendance.
Each of these student-athletes has contributed to the Mountain Lakes football program and carried forward the values that have long made Herd football a meaningful part of the Mountain Lakes community. This scholarship recognizes not only their accomplishments as players, but also the qualities they have demonstrated as teammates, leaders, students, and representatives of the program.
About the Wilkins-Roche Herdsman Scholarship
Named in honor of late Head Coach Doug Wilkins and former longtime coach Charlie Roche, the Wilkins-Roche Herdsman Scholarship celebrates the leadership, mentorship, toughness, and commitment to team that has long defined Mountain Lakes football.
The scholarship is awarded to graduating Herd football players who exemplify the character, dedication, and sense of responsibility that Coach Wilkins and Coach Roche helped instill throughout the program. It helps support recipients as they take the next step in their education while strengthening the connection between past, present, and future members of the Herd football community.
At its heart, the scholarship reflects a simple but powerful idea: Herdsmen support Herdsmen.
Funded Through the Wilkins-Roche Herdsman Scholarship Golf Outing
The Wilkins-Roche Herdsman Scholarship is funded primarily through the annual Wilkins-Roche Herdsman Scholarship Golf Outing, held each fall. The outing brings together alumni, families, friends, coaches, and supporters for a day that celebrates the Herd football tradition while raising critical support for the scholarship fund.
Thanks to the continued success of the Golf Outing, the HERD Alumni Foundation is able to recognize deserving graduating players each year and continue a tradition of mentorship, connection, and support.
Supporting the Scholarship
The HERD Alumni Foundation invites alumni, families, and friends to help continue this tradition by supporting the Wilkins-Roche Herdsman Scholarship Fund. Every contribution helps recognize deserving graduating players and ensures that the values of leadership, mentorship, teamwork, and service remain central to the Herdsman legacy.
To make a donation or learn more, visit:
Congratulations again to this year’s recipients, and thank you to everyone who helps make this scholarship possible.
— The HERD Alumni Foundation
