INDIANAPOLIS – The Great Midwest Athletic Conference is proud to announce Craig Blike as the male recipient of the 2026 Excellence in Officiating Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to collegiate wrestling officiating and his continued commitment to excellence within the profession.
Blike has distinguished himself as one of the premier wrestling officials in the country through 14 years of officiating experience. Throughout his career, he has earned assignments at some of the sport’s most prestigious championship events and conferences, demonstrating consistent excellence at every level of collegiate competition.
Among his notable accomplishments, Blike has officiated NCAA Division II National Championship semifinal and final matches in 2026, NCAA Division III National Championship semifinal and final bouts in both 2024 and 2025, and Great Midwest Athletic Conference Championships in 2025 and 2026. His resume also includes assignments with the Mountain East Conference (2020-26), Mid-American Conference (2021-26), Atlantic Coast Conference (2021-26), Big 10 Conference 2023-26), The Southern Conference (2025-26), and Big 12 Conference (2024-26).
“I’m grateful to be honored by such an elite conference,” said Blike. “The student-athletes, coaches, and administrators dedicate their lives to this calling, and as officials, we aim to match that commitment—striving to be our best selves in every moment for the sport and for everyone involved. I’m also incredibly lucky to have such a strong support system around me—my wife, who carries the load at home while I travel; my parents, who step in whenever we need extra help with the kids; and my conference coordinators and mentors, who have shaped me both on and off the mat. No one achieves success alone, and I’m fortunate to be surrounded by such an incredible team.”
In addition to his on-mat accomplishments, Blike has made significant contributions to the advancement of officiating development nationwide. His NCAA rules interpretation submissions, involvement in national training initiatives through educational video clips, and leadership efforts within the Mid States Wrestling Officials Association — including grant writing and professional development initiatives — have positively impacted officials across multiple levels of the sport.
The Great Midwest Athletic Conference Excellence in Officiating Award recognizes officials who demonstrate exemplary service, professionalism, leadership, and dedication to intercollegiate athletics.
Blike’s combination of championship-level officiating experience and meaningful contributions to the profession exemplifies the values of the award and the standards of excellence upheld by the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.