FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) has announced The University of Olivet's Brandon Brissette as the 2026 MIAA Wrestling Coach of the Year after guiding the Comets to another conference championship season.
In his 17th season at the helm, Brissette led Olivet to its sixth MIAA regular-season title during his tenure, finishing with a perfect 4-0 conference record. The honor marks the second-consecutive year Brissette has received the award, having also been recognized as MIAA Wrestling Coach of the Year in 2025.
Olivet’s success this season was fueled by standout individual performances across the lineup. Four Comets earned All-MIAA honors while finishing the regular season undefeated in conference action at their respective weight classes: Trenden Bashore at 133 pounds (4-0), Kyan Larson at 174 pounds (4-0), Gideon Loewen at 197 pounds (3-0), and Mason Knight at 285 pounds (3-0). In addition, Darren McLeod was voted the 2026 MIAA Senior Sportsman of the Year, highlighting the program’s commitment to excellence both on and off the mat.
Brissette credited his coaching staff for the team’s remarkable turnaround following significant roster changes from the previous season.
“This award is quite simply a staff award. There is no way I could orchestrate the kind of improvement needed to win a conference title, or have six guys in the regional rankings without the combined efforts of this staff. We lost 8-of-10 starters to graduation last year in 2025 and had no returning placers from that same year's regional. When you look at the progression of so many over a single year you realize what strength they get from such a committed and diverse staff. I would like to thank Dylan and Ben particularly for their focus on the new guys' overall connection and development, especially with their campus roles. Thank you Dennis and Jones for your team insights and particularly for contributions individually on the mental and knowledge skills. And to coaches Jim and Jesse who make our guys better in the room every day, and make sure that all of them get the experiences they need to keep improving. Lastly, to all of them for trusting and standing with me. This is a great place to coach, and there is no place I'd rather be!”
The Comets will now turn their attention to postseason competition at the NCAA Division III Region V Tournament, scheduled for February 27–28. Qualifiers from the regional will advance to the NCAA Division III Championships on March 13–14.