HAYS, Kan. — Ryan Patterson of Fort Hays State University has been named the 2025-26 MIAA SAAC Student-Athlete Mentor of the Year in its inaugural year.

Established in 2026, the MIAA SAAC annually selects a student-athlete mentor of the year in the MIAA. This is an individual who has had a profound impact on the lives of student-athletes on their campus throughout the year or throughout his/her career.

Patterson is a junior from Peyton, Colo., and a four-year member of the Fort Hays State men’s wrestling team. Ryan plans to graduate this May with a degree in management.

During his time as a Tiger, Ryan led team bible studies, strengthening team cohesion and providing a safe, supportive space for his teammates to engage in open discussions about life beyond wrestling. He was a team captain on the men’s wrestling team for two years.

Patterson is an active volunteer for Fort Hays State, as well as in the Hays community. He served as a student-employee in athletic facilities, where he developed and delivered presentations on leadership and teamwork for fellow student employees and staff. These trainings have since been adopted by staff as part of ongoing student employee development. Ryan is a strong advocate for all student-athletes at FHSU and attends athletic events whenever his schedule allows. His positive presence and involvement make him a recognizable and respected leader within the athletics community.

Ryan will be presented with the MIAA SAAC Student-Athlete Mentor of the Year award on Tuesday, April 28 th , at the annual Student Organization Awards Reception (SOAR) in the Memorial Union Ballroom on the Fort Hays State University campus. To view more information on the awards reception, visit www.fhsu.edu/engage/stuorg/awards/.