KANSAS CITY, MO – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association has announced a new Wrestler of the Week for the second week of the 2025-26 season. All six MIAA wrestling teams were in action over the weekend. Ouachita’s Cayden Byrd was crowned the 197-pound champion at the Viking Open to earn the latest MIAA Wrestler of the Week honor.
 
MIAA WRESTLER OF THE WEEK: Cayden Byrd, 197 lbs., Ouachita
Cayden Byrd dominated the 197-pound bracket with a place-first finish at the Viking Open in Poteau, Oklahoma, this past Saturday (Nov. 8). The sophomore went a perfect 4-0 and outscored his opponents by a combined score of 51-12 across his four matches to claim the title. Bryd finished the week 4-1 overall, which also included a hard-fought 9-7 loss in a 23-18 dual victory over Drury at home on Wednesday (Nov. 5).

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:
Damon Ashworth, Central Missouri (184 lbs.)
Damon Ashworth, ranked No. 2 at 184 pounds, closed out a tough dual against No. 13 McKendree with an impressive 9-3 decision victory over No. 10-ranked Caleb Lavine at 184 pounds. Despite the Mules’ 25-18 loss, Ashworth delivered a composed and dominant performance to finish the night on a high note for Central Missouri. 

Cash Thomas, Fort Hays State (157 lbs.)
Cash Thomas turned in a 5-1 record with four bonus-point wins at the DWU Open on Saturday, placing third at 157 pounds. The junior transfer recorded a pair of pins in less than 40 seconds on the front side of the bracket before falling in the quarterfinal round via a 4-2 decision. He then picked up a technical fall and a decision before avenging his only loss with a 12-1 major decision in the third-place bout. Thomas recorded seven takedowns across his six matches and did not give up a single takedown on the day.
 
Cael Robb, Nebraska Kearney (157 lbs.)
Cael Robb, the No. 9-ranked 157-pounder in Division II, pinned the NJCAA's top-ranked 157-pounder, Ayson Rice, in just 1:35. The redshirt sophomore helped the No. 1 Lopers defeat Southeast C.C. 42 to -1 at home. Southeast C.C. was docked a point for unsportsmanlike conduct.
 
WEEK ONE: Jason Henschel, Central Oklahoma (133 lbs) & Garrett Lyons, Central Missouri (149 lbs)
WEEK TWO: Cayden Byrd, Ouachita (197 lbs)