Four Inducted into NJCAA Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame
Charlotte, NC – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Wrestling Coaches Association has announced its 2026 Hall of Fame class, recognizing four individuals whose impact on the mat and beyond has left a lasting legacy across NJCAA wrestling: Curtis Blaydes, Mark Leen, Randy Rager, and Vougar Oroudjov.
Curtis Blaydes | Student-Athlete | Harper (IL)
A 2011 NJCAA National Champion at 285 pounds for Harper College, Curtis Blaydes cemented his place among the NJCAA's elite during his time on the mat. The Chicago, IL native earned NJCAA All-America honors en route to capturing the heavyweight national title, showcasing dominance that would foreshadow his future success in combat sports.
Following his collegiate career, Blaydes transitioned to professional mixed martial arts and has become one of the top heavyweights in the world with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Currently ranked among the top contenders in the UFC heavyweight division, Blaydes has built a reputation as one of the sport's most formidable competitors since turning professional in 2014.
A former Illinois high school state champion with an undefeated 44-0 prep record, Blaydes' wrestling foundation has remained central to his success. Beyond athletic achievements, he has used his platform to advocate for stuttering awareness, openly sharing his lifelong journey with a speech impediment. Blaydes has been a featured speaker at events such as the American Institute for Stuttering Gala, offering encouragement and inspiration to individuals facing similar challenges.
Through sportsmanship, leadership, and community outreach, Blaydes continues to embody the values of the NJCAA while serving as a role model for student-athletes nationwide.
Mark Leen | Coach | Garden City (KS)
Mark Leen's induction recognizes his commitment to developing Garden City Community College wrestlers. Throughout his coaching career, Leen has demonstrated a dedication to student-athlete success, competitive excellence, and mentorship within the NJCAA wrestling community.
Leen's leadership has produced a 98-3 dual record that included a national record 81 match win streak, 12 Individual National Champions, 49 All-Americans. He also led the Broncobusters to their first National Championship in any sport in 1992 and then claimed two more titles in 1994 and1995.
Leen departed Garden City in 1995 to coach the University of Tennessee Chattanooga Wrestling team where he retired in 2000 with three Southern Conference Championships.
His Hall of Fame selection honors both competitive accomplishments and a lasting legacy of service to the sport.
Randy Rager | Coach | Rochester (MN)
For more than two decades, Randy Rager has been synonymous with excellence at Rochester Community and Technical College.
As head coach, Rager guided the Yellowjackets to eight MCAC State Championships and NJCAA Region XIII/North District titles. Under his leadership, RCTC captured NJCAA Non-Scholarship Championships in 2014, 2017, and 2020. He coached 94 national qualifiers, 24 NJCAA All-Americans, and two individual national champions during his tenure as head coach.
Since transitioning to an assistant role in 2021, Rager has continued to shape one of the NJCAA's premier programs. RCTC has claimed NJCAA Non-Scholarship Championships in 2021, 2022, along with a national runner-up finish in 2023. The Yellowjackets also claimed 2024 and 2025 NJCAA Division III National Championships.
A seven-time MCAC and Region XIII Coach of the Year, Rager was also named NJCAA Non-Scholarship Coach of the Year in 2014, 2017, and 2020, and earned NJCAA Man of the Year honors in 2018. Beyond team success, Rager has been a respected mentor among peers, serving as vice president of the NJCAA Wrestling Coaches Association and overseeing national rankings. Active in his local church and as a leader of the Stewartville Youth Wrestling Club, Rager's commitment to community and character development mirrors his coaching philosophy.
Vougar Oroudjov | Coach | Nassau (NY)
Vougar Oroudjov, longtime wrestling coach at Nassau Community College, has dedicated over 20 years to coaching at the NJCAA level, building one of the most respected wrestling programs in the country. During his tenure, his teams compiled outstanding records, including multiple seasons with dominant win–loss marks, while consistently competing at the national level. His coaching success culminated in NJCAA Non-Scholarship National Championships and earning NJCAA Non-Scholarship Coach of the Year honors.
Beyond team success, Oroudjov's influence on the sport is deeply personal and far-reaching. A former world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, he brought elite-level experience and international perspective to the collegiate ranks. His commitment to excellence is reflected not only in championships, but also in athlete development, mentorship, and community engagement.
Oroudjov has played a significant role in the growth of wrestling on Long Island, coaching numerous high school state champions and conducting wrestling clinics nationwide. Since arriving in the United States more than 25 years ago, he has become a pillar of the regional wrestling community.
Wrestling has also been a family legacy for Oroudjov, as all three of his sons competed at Cornell University, including Vito Oroudjov, a Division I national champion and world champion.
Oroudjov's nomination places him among an elite group of coaches whose influence extends well beyond the mat.
The 2026 NJCAA Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame class reflects the NJCAA's longstanding tradition of excellence — celebrating champions on the mat, visionary leaders on the sidelines, and ambassadors of the sport in communities across the country.
