Northwest College’s Austin Richens to receive 2025-26 David Rowlands Award

Charlotte, NC – The NJCAA has named Northwest College (WY) wrestler, Austin Richens, as the recipient of the 2026 David Rowlands Male Student-Athlete of the Year Award and he will be honored during the NJCAA Foundation Hall of Fame Awards on June 18, 2026. 

The David Rowlands Award is presented annually to a male NJCAA student-athlete who demonstrates exceptional achievement in athletics, academics, leadership and community service throughout his two-year college experience. 

Richens concluded his career at Northwest College as one of the nation's premier wrestlers and one of the most accomplished student-athletes in Trappers history. The Vernal, Utah native captured the 2026 NJCAA National Championship at heavyweight while also earning the Outstanding Wrestler Award at the national tournament. 

A two-time NJCAA All-America honoree, Richens compiled an extraordinary 67-3 overall record during his two seasons at Northwest College, including 53 victories by fall. 

Richens delivered a dominant performance at the 2026 NJCAA National Championships, recording pins in four of his first five matches before securing a 5-2 sudden victory in the national championship bout at 285 pounds. 

For his efforts, Richens was voted the Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament after helping lead Northwest College to another top 10 national finish. 

"I am humbled that Austin chose Northwest College when he had multiple NCAA offers," Northwest College Head Coach, Jim Zeigler, said. "His decision showed trust and humility." 

Richens' accomplishments extended far beyond the mat. In the classroom, he maintained a 3.79 GPA as a business major while earning NJCAA Academic honors and National Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-American recognition in both seasons at Northwest College. 

According to Zeigler, Richens also became a leader throughout both the campus and local communities during his time in Powell, Wyoming. 

"Austin is celebrated for his outstanding achievement in wrestling, the classroom, and the community," Zeigler said. "Austin has been a leader and organizer of community service with his team, working with the Buffalo Bill Historical Society, the Homesteader Museum, and the youth wrestling club." 

Richens' leadership and character also made a lasting impact within the Northwest College athletic department and surrounding town through his countless hours of community service. 

Zeigler praised Richens' humility, work ethic and personal growth throughout his collegiate career. 

"It has been my great privilege to coach him and I believe he will be a distinguished alumnus in years to come," Zeigler said.  

After receiving multiple NCAA opportunities, Richens will continue both his academic and athletic career at Purdue University. 

NJCAA Athletic Accomplishments 

• 3rd in the nation (2025) 

• National Champion / Outstanding Wrestler award (MVP, 2026) 

• Combined record of 67-3 in the past two seasons.  

• 53 falls in two seasons 

• Two-time National Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-American 

Richens will be honored during the NJCAA Foundation Hall of Fame Awards on Thursday, June 18 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place at 6:30p.m. The event will recognize the NJCAA Male and Female Student-Athletes of the Year, the Lea Plarski Award winner, the Champion Award winners, and the Difference Maker Award winner, in addition to the 2026 class of the NJCAA Hall of Fame. 

To learn more regarding the NJCAA Foundation Hall of Fame Awards, visit: NJCAA Foundation Awards 

To learn more about past NJCAA Male Student-Athletes of the Year, visit: David Rowlands Award Winners 

About the NJCAA David Rowlands Award 

David Rowlands was an active member of the NJCAA from 1972-1988. He was a regional director during that time and from 1975-1988 was the chair of the NJCAA baseball committee. Rowlands, a baseball coach at Truman College (Chicago, IL), served on the NJCAA gymnastics, golf, executive and eligibility committees. Rowlands was the perfect model of hard work, discipline, ethics, and excellence in community college athletics. This award is given annually to the NJCAA Student-Athlete that best exhibits these traits.