The Open Mat presents awards annually in three categories for each division of college wrestling at the conclusion of the season. Awards are presented for Freshman of the Year, Coach of the Year and Wrestler of the Year.

Only one freshman in NCAA Division III wrestling earned All-America honors in 2024. His name: Max Borton.

Borton, a 184-pounder for Ursinus College, was named 2024 NCAA Division III Freshman of the Year by The Open Mat on Tuesday.

A native of Tabernacle, New Jersey, Borton compiled a record of 39-10 record in his freshman campaign. He won tournament titles this season at the Messiah Invitational and Will Abele Invitational. In addition, Borton placed third at the Centennial Conference Championships, Citrus Invitational and Bill Racich Rumble.

He qualified for the 2024 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships by placing third at the Mideast Regional Championships. Borton entered the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships unseeded. He opened his tournament by knocking off sixth-seeded George Moseley of Averett, 4-3. In the NCAA quarterfinals, Borton fell 4-3 to eventual NCAA third-place finisher Niall Schoenfelder of UW-Eau Claire. He bounced back to beat Joel Martsinovsky of Stevens 4-3 in the consolation bracket. He then dropped his next two matches to Dylan Wellbaum of Adrian and Jack Ryan of SUNY Oneonta to finish eighth at 184 pounds. By reaching the podium, Borton became the first freshman All-American wrestler in Ursinus history.