WICHITA, Kan. – Friends University's Braydon Pacheco has been selected as the Open Mat NAIA Men's Freshman Wrestler of the Year, the organization announced today (May 19).

Pacheco made a quick impact on a Falcon squad that won their first-ever KCAC championship this year.

The Garden City, Kan. native earned NAIA All-American honors in the 2025-26 season for the Falcons, advancing to the semifinals before taking fourth place nationally in the 125-pound division to help Friends record a program record three All-Americans overall.

Pacheco also finished as the runner-up at the KCAC Championship meet while posting additional second-place finishes at the Falcon Open and the Connor Oppenheim Open.

"Braydon has had a phenomenal season and this award just shines a light on how much work he has put in throughout the season!" said Friends men's wrestling head coach Tyler Mies. "All the small adjustments throughout the year came to light at the end. We look forward to continuing to focus on the process and letting the results take care of themselves." 

Click HERE for the official Open Mat release