Dieringer was announced as the winner of the 2016 WIN Magazine/Culture House Dan Hodge Trophy on Monday. The Dan Hodge Trophy is considered the Heisman Trophy of collegiate wrestling. Dieringer is only the second Cowboy to win the award. Steve Mocco was the first OSU wrestler to receive the honor in 2005.
“I’m so excited,” Dieringer said in a statement. “It means everything to me. I’ve been working hard for it. I don’t even think it has totally set in yet. To be recognized as the best wrestler in the nation is an honor. I kind of feel like Barry Sanders right now.