Braden Ledford didn't expect his final season at Friends University to unfold the way it did. For months, the veteran wrestler battled an injury that kept him off the mat and forced him into a new kind of leadership. Then a promising freshman entered his weight class and shared a spot.

Ledford poured himself into mentoring the newcomer, helping him develop the confidence, discipline and mindset required to compete at the college level. Together, they pushed each other through practices, film sessions and extra workouts. "He pushed me in ways I didn't even realize I needed at the time," Ledford said. "He made me a better wrestler and a better person."

"Ledford spent his senior season redshirting and pushing the guys in front of him due to transfer rules," Mies said. "During that time, I was on the look for lighter guys that could push him in the room and someone he could mentor. That is where Pacheco came in… Pacheco was different than most seniors in high school. Very comfortable in just about every position. I knew he would be perfect for our team and a great compliment to Ledford."

That selflessness paid off in remarkable fashion. Both wrestlers earned NAIA All-America honors in the same weight class, a testament to their bond and the culture they helped build. For Ledford, the moment was about more than a medal — it was about the people who helped him reach it.

"I'll always be proud that I'm an All-American," he said. "But what truly made that moment special was who I got to share it with. Being able to celebrate with my family, teammates, coaches and loved ones meant more than the accolade itself."

Choosing Friends for the Right Reasons

Ledford's path to Friends University began with a relationship built on trust. After high school, he had already formed a connection with head coach Tyler Mies, even though he initially chose a different school. When he decided to transfer, he knew exactly where he wanted to go.

"The main reason I chose to wrestle at Friends was the relationship and trust I had with Coach Mies," Ledford said. "He was someone who shared the same values as me and someone I could trust to guide my development both on and off the mat."

Being close to home made the decision even easier. Friends offered the perfect combination of a supportive environment, a clear vision for the program's future and the chance to stay connected to his family. "I believed in the vision and plan he had set for the program," Ledford said. "I felt confident he could help me reach my goals as a wrestler while also continuing to grow as a person off the mat."

"Ledford and I first met back in his junior or senior year of high school at a FCA camp down in Winfield," Mies said. I recruited him while I was at Newman and lost him to Ottawa. Once he reached out about transferring, I was more than ecstatic and knew I needed a leader like him coming from a successful program. Once I got him in on campus, I felt a bond with him that seemed to feel like we always had one. There was a lot of comfort, like we known each other forever. I knew he was coming to Friends and I knew we had great times ahead."

Leadership Through Adversity

From the moment he arrived, Ledford embraced a leadership role. He was named captain and quickly set out to help build the program's culture. "I knew I needed to make a difference in our culture and continue to build the program the right way," he said.

But this season tested him in ways he didn't expect. An injury kept him sidelined for much of the year, creating uncertainty about how much he would be able to compete. Instead of retreating, he leaned into his leadership even more.

"There were moments of uncertainty because I didn't know what the rest of my season would look like," Ledford said. "But I stayed committed, kept my faith and continued to push forward. That experience ultimately made me a better person, a better leader and will continue to help me grow, not just as an athlete, but as a person."

With his body healing, Ledford became a steady presence for his teammates, especially the newcomers. He made it a priority to build strong relationships with the younger athletes and show them what it meant to be a Falcon. "I wanted them to see that giving 100% of what we have 100% of the time is the standard," he said. "By reinforcing those expectations every day, it helps set a foundation for Friends University Wrestling long after I'm gone."

The people around him made the journey meaningful. He credits teammates like EZ Ortega, Wyatt Gardner and Braydon Pacheco for pushing him and supporting him throughout his time at Friends. He also points to Coach Mies as a steady mentor who cared about his growth beyond wrestling. "Coach Mies truly has your best interest at heart, not just as a wrestler, but as a person," Ledford said. "He's someone I can talk to about anything. We share similar values and vision, and I'm very grateful he took a chance on me."

All-American Moment, Shared With Family 

When Ledford finally returned to full strength, he made the most of his opportunity. He battled through the NAIA National Championship tournament and earned All-America honors — a fitting capstone to his college career.

"Concluding my career with an All-American finish at the NAIA National Tournament was incredibly satisfying," he said. "It brought a sense of relief knowing that all the years of hard work, discipline and sacrifice had paid off."

But for Ledford, the real victory was sharing it with those who mattered most. "It wasn't just about earning All-American status," he said. "It was about experiencing that moment with the people who helped me get there."

He's especially proud that he and Pacheco both reached the podium in the same weight class — a rare achievement that speaks to the culture of the program. "We supported each other and really became each other's support system," Ledford said. "I couldn't have accomplished All-American status without him."

"Ledford's senior season was faced with adversity, but even with his time off the mat, he continued to lead, serve, and mentor his teammates," Mies said. "What we preach every single week in this program. It has to be about something bigger than yourself. I will never forget that blood round match. What a great memory for us all!"

A Program on the Rise

Ledford's story is emblematic of the growth happening within Friends University Men's Wrestling. In just a few short years, the program has achieved new milestones and set a standard for what's possible.

"Two years ago, we had our first national qualifier," Ledford said. "Last year, we had three qualifiers and our first All-American. This year, we had eight national qualifiers and three All-Americans and also won our first-ever KCAC championship. The trajectory is clear and the foundation is built."

His advice to future Falcons is simple: buy in and enjoy every moment. "You're joining a group of guys who share common goals, strong values and are faith-oriented," he said. "This isn't just a team — it's a brotherhood."

"Now is the time to be a part of this program," Ledford said. "Friends University Men's Wrestling is on the verge of taking off, and there's no better time to be a part of it than right now."

"The all-American status will live on with him forever but the habits, relationships and who he has become along the way will carry him through the rest of his life," Mies said. "I'm excited to see the future of Braden Ledford."