NEWTOWN, Pa. (Wrestling) – The Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) has announced its yearly major awards for wrestling on Thursday. Alvernia and Messiah take home honors.
Alvernia’s Matt Lackman was named MAC Wrestler of the Year, and Messiah’s first-year Keegan Demarest was named MAC Rookie of the Year. Messiah head coach Bryan Brunk and Alvernia head coach Kriss Bellanca were named MAC Co-Coach of the Year.

The awards are nominated and voted on by the seven conference wrestling coaches.

Lackman won the 2025 MAC and NCAA Region 3 Regional titles and advanced to the NCAA Championship. The graduate student defeated Cooper Willis of Augsburg to become Alvernia’s first NCAA National Champion. Lackman claimed his third-straight Wrestler of the Year Award.

Demarest finished runner-up in the 165 lbs. class at the 2025 MAC Wrestling Championships. Demarest was defeated by National Champion, Matt Lackman. In his first regional, Demarest secured his spot in the semifinals to advance to day two. He was eventually brought down by TCNJ’s Nick Sacco by an 11-8 decision. 

Alvernia’s Kriss Bellanca and Messiah’s Bryan Brunk were named MAC Co-Coaches of the Year. Alvernia claimed its first MAC title in program history, finished with seven All-MAC honors, and one National Champion. Messiah finished runner-up at the 2025 MAC Championships, six All-MAC honors and had three competitors at the NCAA National Tournament. 

2024-25 MAC Wrestling Awards
Wrestler of the Year: Matt Lackman (Gr.), Alvernia
Rookie of the Year: Keegan Demarest (Fy.), Messiah
Co-Coach of the Year: Kriss Bellanca, Alvernia
Co-Coach of the Year: Bryan Brunk, Messiah