EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) — Jared Stricker (Jr. - Ashland, Wis.) of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team has been named Blugold Athletics' Male Athlete of the Year for 2023-24.

Stricker became the second national champion in the history of Blugold wrestling last season. He finished the campaign with a 42-2 record and didn't lose to a Division III opponent all year. He set new school records for single-season pins with 21 and career victories with 126. He finished the season as a national champion, NCAA Upper Midwest Regional champion and Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) champion.

Stricker also helped the Blugolds earn a share of their first team WIAC championship ever and place fifth in the team standings at the NCAA Championships — their highest finish ever.