Sioux Falls, South Dakota - New Mexico Highlands junior
Ivan Smith earned All-American honors with his seventh-place finish at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships.
"When I was able to obtain that status, it was kind of a sense of relief. I was just grateful to be in the position I was in and my training that got me through it," said
Ivan Smith after the championships. "I always give glory to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ and grateful God has been able to give me the opportunities and help me through tribulation as well."
Smith went 2-1 on the second day of the championships, including an impressive 10-4 win over Nate Barrett of Ashland University, who defeated Smith in the opening round. He concluded his season at 32-4 and a perfect 6-0 in RMAC action.
"Ivan is a cornerstone of this program, and a true example of what it means to be a leader by example. He's consistent in his approach to life, school, and wrestling; and his accomplishments in all of those areas mirror that consistency," said Head Coach
Chris Freije. "I know Ivan had bigger goals for this weekend, but what he accomplished at the NCAA's, and over the course of the season is something to be proud of. He has a 4.0 GPA for one, is a student-mentor on campus, walks strongly in his Faith, and is just overall a great human being."
Freije continued, "Wrestling-wise he had 32 wins this season. His only losses in Division II were to NCAA All-Americans. His other two losses were to a 2X National Champion in his respective division, and then one more to a Division I wrestler from the Big 12. This tournament shows an example of the character, grit, and passion he has. He lost his first match, and put together 5 wins to finish as a NCAA All-American; with the last being against the individual who beat him in the first round. Flipping that result was a great way to end the season, and is something I know he can, and will build from. We're extremely proud of Ivan, and I know his best wrestling is still ahead."
Smith is New Mexico Highlands' first All-American since Allen Michel in 2022.
