FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) has announced its 2026 Wrestling All-MIAA award winners, recognizing the conference’s top performers following another competitive season on the mat.
Adrian College senior Aiden Smith headlines this year’s honorees as the Most Valuable Wrestler, while The University of Olivet’s Darren McLeod has been selected as the MIAA Senior Sportsman of the Year.
Most Valuable Wrestler: Aiden Smith, Adrian
Adrian senior Aiden Smith has been named the MIAA Most Valuable Wrestler for the second-consecutive year after another dominant season for the Bulldog. A two-time All-MIAA honoree, Smith compiled an undefeated conference performance, going 2-0 at 157 pounds and 1-0 at 165 pounds. He was named MIAA Athlete of the Week three times during the season and delivered decisive victories against top competition across the league.
Smith secured a fall in 2:05 against Alma College’s Vincent Provo at 157 pounds and followed with another pin in 2:31 against Trine University’s Manny Frederick at the same weight class. He later moved up to 165 pounds and recorded a technical fall victory (21-4, 5:13) over Albion College’s Peyton Brooks, who entered the match ranked first in the region. Smith’s versatility across weight classes and consistent dominance cemented his status as one of the conference’s premier wrestlers.
Senior Sportsman of the Year: Darren McLeod, Olivet
Olivet's Darren McLeod has been named the MIAA Senior Sportsman of the Year, recognizing his outstanding achievements in athletics, academics, leadership, and community service. A team captain and two-time Scholar All-American, McLeod carries a perfect 4.0 grade-point average while maintaining a win percentage above 67 percent during his collegiate career. The 157-pound starter has been ranked as high as seventh in the region this season and holds a strong record in conference duals competition.
McLeod’s leadership extends well beyond the mat. He serves as president of both the Phi Beta Lambda Business Club and the Accounting Student Organization, is an associate in the Global Citizens Honors Program, and represents his team on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee as both a representative and board member. He is also a graduate of the President’s Leadership Institute and a four-year member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), serving as vice president this year.
In the community, McLeod has spent three years volunteering with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, helping low-income individuals and families prepare and file tax returns under the guidance of certified professionals. He also participates in FCA outreach efforts, including service events, campus activities, and community engagement initiatives throughout the year. McLeod’s commitment to excellence in all areas embodies the spirit of the MIAA Senior Sportsman Award.
2026 Wrestling All-MIAA
125 - Kaden Golder, Trine
133 - Trenden Bashore, Olivet
141 - Dominic Gumtow, Alma
149 - Austin Matheney, Albion
157 - Jayden Lewis, Albion
165 - Aiden Smith, Adrian (2)
174 - Kyan Larson, Olivet
184 - Owen Turnbow, Albion
197 - Gideon Loewen, Olivet
285 - Mason Knight, Olivet