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 Wrestler of the Year, Freshman of the Year and Coach of the Year.

The Open Mat NCAA Division II Freshman of the Year: David Hunsberger (Lander)

Lander's David Hunsberger put together a tremendous freshman season, going 32-5 and placing fourth at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships at 165 pounds, which was the highest national finish of any freshman in the nation. The South Carolina native went undefeated at the Battle at the Citadel in the first month of the season. After going 2-2 at the Midwest Classic, Hunsberger posted a 12-0 record to close the regular season. He then captured a title at the Super Region II, beating Patrick Wunderlich of Newberry 6-2 in the finals. Hunsberger entered the national tournament seeded fourth at 165 pounds. After beating a returning All-American 11-6 in his first match, he picked up a 57-second pin in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Hunsberger fell to Western Colorado's Hunter Mullin 11-6. The Lander freshman bounced back in a big way, getting a 23-6 technical fall in the consolation semifinals over second-seeded Alex Farenchak of Gannon. He was edged 3-2 by Central Oklahoma's Ty Lucas in the third-place match. Hunsberger will play a key role in Lander's pursuit of a national championship in the coming years.