Whitehall wrestling alum Jason Smith made his mark for the Grand Valley State University club wrestling team this season, earing fourth place at 285 pounds at the 2026 National Collegiate Wrestling Association championship meet. The meet took place March 26-28 in Bossier City, Louisiana.
The national tournament featured 775 student-athletes from 94 collegiate programs, making it one of the largest wrestling championships in the United States and bringing together top competitors from across the country.
Smith entered the tournament ranked No. 12 and went 5-2, including a pair of very impressive victories over top-5 opponent Braeden Fluke of Ferrum College (by pin) and Devin Dudley of Life University (by a 15-10 decision) in the consolation bracket.
Smith also defeated opponents from the University of Washington and Mercyhurst Collge during the tournament.
Competing at 285 pounds, Smith entered the tournament ranked No. 12 nationally and emerged as one of the top performers for Grand Valley State. He opened his run with a 4–1 decision over Gabe Wishon of Washington and followed with a 9–6 win against No. 20 Joey Baronick of Mercyhurst to advance in the championship bracket.
Smith helped the Lakers' program notch a 26-23 overall record in the tournament, and he was one of three All-Americans for the team. GVSU was the top Division II men's program at the meet.
