CEDAR RAPIDS — Central College's Sam West (senior, 197 pounds, Burlington, Notre Dame HS) is the recipient of the Elite Scholar-Athlete award for the 2026 NCAA Division III Men's Wrestling Championship.

West, majoring in business management, currently carries a 4.00 GPA. West was presented with the award prior to the final session of wrestling Saturday in Cedar Rapids.

The Elite Scholar-Athlete award recognizes the true essence of student-athletes by honoring the individuals who have reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in their sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among their peers. The Elite Scholar-Athlete award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's championships.

Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above academically who have participated in a sport for at least two years with their school. All ties are broken based on the number of credits completed.

It's just the second time a Central student-athlete has earned this award. West joins former Dutch softball player Jordan Overland, who was honored in 2013.

For more information on the Elite Scholar-Athlete award winners, log on to https://www.ncaa.org/elitescholarathlete.