Zvonar and Johnston Earn NWCA Scholar All-American Honors

First IWU men’s wrestlers to earn award

3/20/2026 11:32:00 AM

MANHEIM, Pa. - Junior Austin Johnston (Normal, Ill.-Normal West) and freshman Tyson Zvonar (Frankfort, Ill.-Lincoln-Way East) were named to the National Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-American list, released Wednesday, March 11. Zvonar and Johnston are the first IWU men's wrestlers to be named to this list.

"I couldn't be prouder of Tyson Zvonar and Austin Johnston for earning NWCA Scholar All-American honors," Director of Wrestling Adam Richards said. "This recognition reflects the discipline, work ethic, and character they bring to everything they do, both in the classroom and on the mat. Tyson and Austin represent exactly what we strive for in our program: student-athletes who push for excellence academically while competing at the highest level. Their achievement is a testament to their commitment and to the culture our team continues to build."

Johnston, majoring in business administration, finished sixth at 141 pounds in the NCAA Division III Region VI meet, ending his season with a record of 18-8. Johnston also collected his 50th career win in 2025-26, with ten of his 18 wins coming via pin.

Zvonar, a physical education major, earned all-conference honors after finishing third at 133 pounds at the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Championships. Zvonar also claimed eighth-place at the NCAA Division III Region VI meet.

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