Providence, R.I.—Rhode Island College senior wrestler
Nathan Lackman (Wernersville, Pa.) received the John E. Hetherman Award at the college's annual Cap and Gown Day held in Roberts Hall on Wednesday afternoon.
The award is based not only on athletic prowess, but also values community and campus involvement. The student who receives the Hetherman Award must be a male student-athlete who participates in intercollegiate athletics, a good student and has demonstrated interest and participation in campus activities.
Lackman wrapped up his career this past winter having earned two NCAA Div. III National Championships, two NCAA Northeast Regional titles, two All-American awards, was twice named the New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) Wrestler of the Year and earned three All-Northeast Region accolades. For his career, he was 103-13 to go along with 33 pins and 230 takedowns.
As a senior in 2022-23, Lackman was the NCAA Div. III National Champion at 165 lbs. and earned All-American honors at the NCAA National Championship. He was the NCAA Div. III Northeast Region Champion at 165 lbs. Lackman was named the NEWA Wrestler of the Year and First Team All-NEWA at 165 lbs. He was also named a Scholar All-American by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA). Lackman was 39-3 with nine pins, eight technical falls, 89 takedowns and 29 near-falls. He finished first at the Doug Parker Invitational on Nov 19 and sixth at the prestigious Midlands Championship on the season.
As a junior in 2021-22, Lackman was the NCAA Div. III National Champion at 157 lbs. and earned All-American honors at the NCAA National Championship. He was also named a Scholar All-American by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA). He was the NCAA Div. III Northeast Region Champion at 157 lbs. He was named the NEWA Wrestler of the Year and First Team All-NEWA at 157 lbs. He went 35-0 at 157 lbs. with 11 pins, 74 takedowns, two reversals, 15 escapes and 29 near-falls. Lackman was named to the NEWA Dual Championship All-Tournament Team. He was the individual champion at the Doug Parker Invitational on Nov. 20.
As a sophomore in 2020-21 (covid-shortened), Lackman was 2-1 on the season at 157 lbs. with one pin, five takedowns, two escapes and two near-falls. Lackman was named a National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Scholar All-American.
As a freshman in 2019-20, Lackman earned All-Region honors at 141 lbs. with a fifth place finish at the NCAA Div. III Northeast Regional Championship. He was an Honorable Mention to the All-NEWA Team at 141 lbs. and was also named to the NEWA All-Rookie Team. Lackman was 27-9 at 141 lbs. with 62 takedowns, one reversal, 20 escapes and 12 pins.
He is a political science major with a minor in management and a 2019 graduate of Bethlehem Catholic High School.
ABOUT THE JOHN E. HETHERMAN AWARD
The Hetherman Award was established in 1958 and sponsored by the RIC class of 1940 to honor its classmate, Jay Hetherman. Mr. Hetherman, while a student, played varsity basketball and baseball for two years. He was also active in the drama club and took part in all "stunt night" activities and major productions. During World War II, Hetherman became a naval aviator, receiving his wings in Jacksonville, Florida in 1942. Approximately one year later, while returning from flying a rescue mission in the South Pacific, Lt. John E. Hetherman crashed and lost his life, leaving an enviable college and service career behind him.
