CLEVELAND – The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced the wrestling specialty awards for the 2025-26 season on Friday afternoon and Lock Haven men's wrestling's Sam Gautreau was named the Freshman of the Year.
 
MAC postseason awards are nominated and voted on by the conference head coaches.
 
MAC Freshman of the Year: Sam Gautreau, Lock Haven
Gautreau completed an impressive dual season, finishing 24-10 overall. The Pottstown, Pa., native went 12-3 in duals and a perfect 6-0 against MAC opponents during the regular season. He placed fourth with a 3-2 record at 184 lbs. at the 2026 MAC Championships and had his tournament run end with a 5-1 loss to No.2 seed Jared McGill (Edinboro).

Gautreau was later selected as the first alternate at 184 lbs. for the NCAA Wrestling Championships.

He is the third Bald Eagle to earn MAC Freshman of the Year honors, joining Tucker Hogan (2025) and Anthony Noto (2022).