Manheim, PA - The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) has announced the 2026 NCAA Division III Men's Hall of Fame class, recognizing six individuals whose careers as athletes, coaches, officials, and contributors have left a lasting impact on Division III wrestling.

The 2026 class will be formally inducted during the NWCA Hall of Fame Ceremony prior to the 2026 NCAA Division III Men's Championships in Cedar Rapids, IA. Each inductee has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the sport through competitive excellence, leadership, service, and lifelong dedication to wrestling.

The 2026 NCAA Division III Men's Hall of Fame inductees are Alan Boucher (Official), Mike Howard (Oswego State - Coach), John Oostendorp (Coe College - Coach), Clayton Rush (Coe College - Wrestler), Nick Slack (Augsburg University - Wrestler), and Mike Surak (Millikan University - Contributor).
CLASS OF 2026

Alan Boucher - Official

With over three decades of service as a wrestling official, Alan Boucher has dedicated his career to ensuring integrity and fairness within the sport. A Massachusetts native and former state champion wrestler, Boucher began officiating after identifying the importance of quality refereeing in match outcomes. Now in his 32nd year as an official, Boucher has officiated 23 D3 Regional Championships as well as 15 D3 National Tournaments. Boucher has built a reputation for professionalism, consistency, and commitment to the wrestling community, while also mentoring younger officials and remaining deeply involved at all levels of the sport. 

Mike Howard – Coach, Oswego State

Now in his 37th year in collegiate coaching, Mike Howard has built one of the most sustained and successful careers in NCAA Division III wrestling history at SUNY Oswego. Hired as head coach in 1989, Howard led the Lakers to 30 NCAA Championship appearances, including 20 consecutive from 1990 to 2009. His résumé includes 73 national qualifiers, 22 All-Americans, 29 conference champions, and 208 conference place winners. Beyond the mat, Howard has served on multiple national committees, including Chair of the NWCA Division III Ranking Committee, and was inducted into the Upstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2024.

John Oostendorp – Coach, Coe College

Coach John Oostendorp has been a transformational figure at Coe College since taking over the program in 2001. A former University of Iowa standout, Oostendorp was a two-time All-American and Big Ten champion before competing internationally, including at the 1995 World Championships and as a Greco-Roman national champion in 1996. As head coach at Coe, he has earned three conference Coach of the Year honors and was named NWCA National Coach of the Year in 2009, leading his teams to multiple Top-10 NCAA finishes. His career reflects excellence at every level of the sport.

Clayton Rush - Wrestler, Coe College

One of the most decorated wrestlers in Coe College history, Clayton Rush became the program's first four-time NCAA Division III All-American and first two-time national champion. Competing from 2008–2011, Rush compiled a remarkable 129–11 career record, finishing as national runner-up as a freshman before capturing back-to-back national titles in 2010 and 2011. He ranks among Coe's all-time leaders in wins, major decisions, and technical falls, establishing himself as one of the most dominant lightweight wrestlers in Division III history.

Nick Slack – Wrestler, Augsburg University

One of the most accomplished wrestlers in Augsburg University history, Nick Slack was a three-time NCAA Division III national finalist and national champion at 174 pounds in 2000, completing an undefeated 34–0 season. He finished his collegiate career with a 130–13 record and helped lead Augsburg to three national team championships. A two-time team captain and NWCA Scholar All-American, Slack later served six seasons as an assistant coach at Augsburg, contributing to two more team national titles. Today, he remains actively engaged in the sport through officiating, clinics, and youth development, continuing to give back to wrestling at every level. 

Mike Surak - Contributor, Millikin University

A Millikin University alumnus, Mike Surak's involvement in wrestling began as an eighth-grader in Buchanan, New York, and ultimately shaped both his athletic and professional life. After graduating from Millikin in 1970, Surak went on to found a highly successful real estate development company, completing over 70 projects during his career. A lifelong supporter of Millikin wrestling, Surak credits the sport with profoundly influencing his personal and professional success and has remained committed to providing today's student-athletes with the same opportunities that wrestling afforded him.
About the NWCA Hall of Fame

The NWCA Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the sport of wrestling through competitive achievement, coaching excellence, officiating, leadership, and service. The Division III Men's category specifically recognizes those who have elevated collegiate wrestling within the NCAA Division III landscape.

The 2026 NWCA Hall of Fame Ceremony will take place in the Grand Ballroom at the Cedar Rapids Convention Center on Thursday, March 12. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning promptly at 6:00 p.m.

Tickets are $50 per person, and reservations are required. Attendees may click here to purchase tickets online. No tickets will be sold at the door.

The ceremony will be held in conjunction with the 2026 NCAA Division III Men's Wrestling Championships.