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 Coach of the Year: R.C. LaHaye (Lander)

Lander has quickly become a national wrestling powerhouse in NCAA Division II under the guidance of head coach R.C. LaHaye. In just the program's fourth season of competition, Lander finished runner-up finish at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships. The Bearcats were led by NCAA runner-up Logan Hall at 184 pounds. Hall, who defeated top-seeded Billy Higgins of Nebraska-Kearney in the semifinals, was one of six All-Americans for Lander. Their other All-Americans were James Joplin (125), Eli Lusk (133), Zeth Brower (141), David Hunsberger (165) and Juan Edmond-Holmes (285). Lander posted a 20-2 dual meet record, with both losses coming to West Liberty by a point. The Bearcats claimed their second consecutive SACC championship, beating UNC Pembroke 30-7 to close out the dual season. Lander then put together a dominant performance at the Super Region II, winning the title by 49 points and setting a new scoring record at the event with 164 points. Seven Lander wrestlers won region titles and the program qualified nine wrestlers for the NCAAs. The Bearcats are expected to contend for a national title next season with most of their key contributors returning.