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.

Garavous Kouekabakilaho of Grand View has been named The Open Mat's 2026 NAIA Men's Wrestler of the Year after a dominant senior season that ended with a third national title and helped power the Vikings to another historic run.

Kouekabakilaho captured the 197-pound championship at the 2026 NAIA Men's Wrestling Championships, defeating Southern Oregon's Asher Ruchti 4-1 in sudden victory. The win secured his second consecutive national title and propelled Grand View to its fifth straight NAIA team championship and 14th overall.

His dominance was evident from the start of the season. In December, Kouekabakilaho won the 197-pound title at the 2025 Dollamur Reno Tournament of Champions, defeating Ruchti in the finals. The victory set the tone for a season defined by consistent success against top competition.

He carried that momentum into the postseason, claiming the Heart of America Athletic Conference title at 197 pounds and playing a key role in Grand View's commanding performance at the conference championships.

Kouekabakilaho entered the national tournament as the No. 1 seed at 197 pounds. He earned bonus-point victories in his first three matches to reach the semifinals, then defeated Omari Smith of Oklahoma City 4-2 in the semifinals. In the championship match, he topped Ruchti 4-1 in sudden victory to secure the title.

For his performance, Kouekabakilaho was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler. He concludes his career as a three-time NAIA national champion, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats in NAIA wrestling.