Oswego, NY - The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) has announced the 2026 NCAA Division III Men's Hall of Fame class, recognizing six individuals whose careers as athletes, coaches, officials, and contributors have left a lasting impact on Division III wrestling. The Oswego Lakers head men's wrestling Coach Mike Howard has been named to the 2026 class!

Cocah Howard will be formally inducted during the NWCA Hall of Fame Ceremony prior to the 2026 NCAA Division III Men's Championships in Cedar Rapids, IA. 

Howard began his collegiate wrestling career with the University of Buffalo, and wrestled there from 1981-1983 before transferring to SUNY Oswego where he wrestled from 1984-1986. During his time with the Lakers, Howard wrestled in the 167-pound weight class and was a two-time co-captain.

Now in his 37th year in collegiate coaching, Mike Howard has built one of the most sustained and successful careers in NCAA Division III wrestling history at SUNY Oswego. Hired as head coach in 1989, Howard led the Lakers to 30 NCAA Championship appearances, including 20 consecutives from 1990 to 2009. His résumé includes 73 national qualifiers, 22 All-Americans, 29 conference champions, and 208 conference place winners. Beyond the mat, Howard has served on multiple national committees, including Chair of the NWCA Division III Ranking Committee, and was inducted into the Upstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2024.