CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The Division III Commissioners Association (DIIICA) announced today the fifth annual DIIICA Regional Student-Athlete of the Year awards. Loras College's Eric Kinkaid stood out amongst the Region IX nominees to earn the honor for the men's sports to represent the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C).
"Eric Kinkaid represents the achievement, integrity and service that define the American Rivers Conference," said Marie Stroman, A-R-C Commissioner. "His exceptional work in the classroom, success as an All-American wrestler and commitment to leading and serving others at Loras College reflect the holistic student-athlete experience we value in Division III. We are proud that Eric will represent the A-R-C through this well-deserved regional recognition."
Kinkaid was a four-time NCAA Division III qualifier in men's wrestling, earning All-American honors in 2024, 2025, and 2026. His highest finish was third place at 157lbs in 2025. Kinkaid posted a career record of 108-27 as a Duhawk. He was a leader on the mat as he was team captain from 2023 to 2026.
“We are extremely excited for Eric and proud to have him represent Loras College and the American Rivers Conference on the national stage," wrote Jeren Glosser, Loras College Head Men's and Women's Wrestling Coach. "Eric is one of the hardest-working individuals I’ve ever been around, both on and off the mat, and he is incredibly deserving of this recognition. His dedication, leadership, and commitment to our program have made a lasting impact, and his legacy within Loras Wrestling will continue for years to come.”
Kinkaid graduated from Loras with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He completed his career with a 3.950 GPA. He was the college's top mechanical engineering student in 2026, a two-time College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-American, and a four-time Scholar All-American.
Kinkaid was also deeply involved in service and leadership activities both on campus and in the Dubuque community. He gave back through the Youth Chemistry Olympics at Loras, the Chemistry Olympics at Loras, Dubuque's Regional Physics Competition, and Loras' DuTHON. He gave back to the sport of wrestling as a volunteer coach at the Dubuque Wrestling Club and at Loras wrestling camps. Kinkaid was a leader on-campus as he was active in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), serving as Vice Chair during the 2025-26 academic year.
"Eric truly embodies what it means to be a student-athlete," wrote Denise Udelhofen, Loras College Director of Athletics. "His impact extended far beyond the wrestling mat, as he actively participated in campus events and served as SAAC Co-Vice Chair. He was highly respected by his teammates and peers for the leadership, character, and integrity he demonstrated every day. I am excited to see the positive influence he will continue to have as he begins the next chapter of his journey as a Duhawk alumnus."
Each of the region winners will advance to the national ballot for consideration for the 2025-26 DIIICA Men’s Sport Student-Athlete of the Year and Women’s Sport Student-Athlete of the Year. Graduating seniors were the only student-athletes eligible for the awards.
Selection criteria for the awards included considerations based on academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership and a personal statement submitted by each nominee. Voting was conducted by the commissioners within each of the ten regions, with the top male and female honorees recognized as finalists for the DIIICA Awards Committee to select the Division III Comissioner’s Association Men’s Sport and Women’s Sport Student-Athlete of the Year.
The two national winners will be announced next month.
ABOUT DIIICA
The Division III Commissioners Association (DIIICA) officially became a stand-alone organization in January 1992. The focal point of the DIIICA is for the membership to learn together and share with each other. Division III commissioners are unique in what they do and need each other to grow. In order to achieve this goal, the Association works closely with affiliated organizations such as the NCAA, NACDA, NADIIIAA, NACWAA, and the Division III Independents as well. The blending of those groups creates a national synergy that allows all memberships to work in concert to improve communications and ultimately, service student-athletes.
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About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to eight full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College.
