The Open Mat presents awards annually in three categories for each division of college wrestling at the conclusion of the season. Awards are presented for Freshman of the Year, Coach of the Year and Wrestler of the Year.

In 2025, Indian Hills became the first program in NJCAA wrestling history to claim national championships in both men's wrestling and women's wrestling.

The architect of the Indian Hills wrestling program: Cole Spree.

After guiding the Indian Hills women's wrestling program to four consecutive national titles, Spree shifted his full-time focus to leading the men's wrestling program before the 2024-25 season.

That change resulted in Indian Hills winning its first national championship in men's wrestling and making history.

On Monday, Spree was honored as the 2025 NJCAA Men's Coach of the Year by The Open Mat.

The Warriors had a historic 2024-25 season, finishing 10-0 in dual meets, capturing a North Central District title before winning the national championship in dominant fashion.

Indian Hills set the national tournament scoring record with 182 points in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the strength of two national champions and nine All-Americans.

Gavyn Whitehead became the program's first national champion, winning the title at 141 pounds. Indian Hills added a second national champion when Andrew Marquez won the title at 197 pounds. Indian Hills became the first NJCAA men's wrestling program since 2019 to crown multiple champions at the national tournament.

Spree was inducted into the NJCAA Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame this year.