The West Liberty wrestling program is getting ready for an enormous 12 months in 2024-2025. The Hilltoppers return a robust core of wrestlers from final 12 months’s group that completed with a report of 12-5. West Liberty might be seeking to enhance on that report this 12 months and make a run on the NCAA Division II Nationwide Championships.
The Hilltoppers’ schedule is highlighted by a number of key matchups. West Liberty will open the season with a house match towards Notre Dame Faculty on November ninth. The Hilltoppers will then journey to Indianapolis, Indiana for the Midwest Traditional on November seventeenth and 18th. West Liberty will even compete within the NCAA Division II Tremendous Area 3 Championships on February twenty eighth and March 1st. The highest three finishers within the Tremendous Area 3 Championships will advance to the NCAA Division II Nationwide Championships.
West Liberty might be led by a robust group of wrestlers in 2024-2025. The Hilltoppers return three All-Individuals from final 12 months’s group, together with senior 141-pounder Bryce West, junior 149-pounder Cole Laya, and sophomore 184-pounder Ethan Nichols. West Liberty additionally has a robust group of newcomers, together with freshman 125-pounder Noah LeVecchio and freshman 133-pounder Logan Kemp. With a robust mixture of expertise and youth, the Hilltoppers are poised for a profitable season in 2024-2025.
The Highway to Dominance: West Liberty Wrestling Kicks Off 2024-2025 Season
Preseason Outlook: Poised for One other Historic Run
The West Liberty wrestling program embarks on a brand new season with sky-high expectations. Recent off a formidable 2023-2024 marketing campaign that noticed them reign as NCAA Division II champions, the group is poised to proceed their dominance. Led by a core group of returning All-Individuals and a proficient crop of newcomers, West Liberty is a power to be reckoned with.
The Hilltoppers boast a deep and skilled lineup, with a number of wrestlers ranked among the many finest within the nation. Nationwide champion Simon Smith leads the way in which at 133 kilos, aiming to defend his title and encourage his teammates.
Different notable returners embody All-American Vincenzo Cardone (149 kilos), All-American Nolan Moody (184 kilos), and All-American Noah Adams (285 kilos). These wrestlers present invaluable expertise and management to the younger squad.
West Liberty’s teaching employees, led by head coach Danny Irwin, has a confirmed monitor report of guiding groups to nationwide prominence. With a wealth of data and strategic planning, they’ll undoubtedly push the wrestlers to succeed in their full potential and attempt for an additional championship season.
Upcoming Schedule: A Grueling Take a look at Awaits
The Hilltoppers face a difficult schedule within the 2024-2025 season, with a gauntlet of top-ranked opponents. They’ll start their marketing campaign with a house twin meet towards Ohio Valley College on November 2, 2024.
Different notable matchups embody a highway match at rival Pitt-Johnstown on January 25, 2025, and a marquee house twin meet towards defending NCAA Division I champion Penn State on February 9, 2025.
Key Dates to Mark:
| Date | Occasion |
|---|---|
| November 2, 2024 | Residence Twin: Ohio Valley College |
| January 25, 2025 | Away Twin: Pitt-Johnstown |
| February 9, 2025 | Residence Twin: Penn State |
| March 13-15, 2025 | NCAA Division II Nationwide Championships |
Unveiling the Season’s Slate: A Preview of West Liberty’s Wrestling Schedule
Key Matchups and Notable Dates
The Hilltoppers’ schedule is full of aggressive matchups that may check their mettle and put together them for the postseason. Head coach Danny Irwin has orchestrated a difficult slate that features a number of top-tier opponents and a mixture of house and away competitions.
Common Season Highlights
West Liberty’s common season will kick off on November fifteenth with an thrilling house match towards Clarion College. Different notable matchups embody:
- December twenty ninth: A highway journey to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to face No. 1-ranked Northern Iowa
- January thirteenth: A showdown with rival Wheeling Jesuit on their house turf
- February 1st: A vital house match towards Ashland College, a perennial contender within the Nice Midwest Athletic Convention
- February sixteenth: The common season finale, a house match towards Alderson Broaddus College
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| November fifteenth | Clarion College | West Liberty | 7:00 PM |
| December twenty ninth | Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, IA | 7:00 PM |
| January thirteenth | Wheeling Jesuit | Wheeling, WV | 7:00 PM |
| February 1st | Ashland College | West Liberty | 7:00 PM |
| February sixteenth | Alderson Broaddus College | West Liberty | 7:00 PM |
Residence Turf Benefit: Key Residence Matches and Dates
Match 1: West Liberty vs. Fairmont State (January 25, 2025)
The season kicks off with an exhilarating house match towards long-time rival Fairmont State. Identified for his or her intense clashes, this bout guarantees to set the tone for the upcoming season.
Match 2: West Liberty vs. Wheeling College (February 8, 2025)
In a battle for regional dominance, the Hilltoppers tackle Wheeling College at house. With each groups boasting proficient wrestlers, this match is poised to check West Liberty’s limits.
Match 3: West Liberty vs. Davis & Elkins Faculty (February 15, 2025)
This house match holds strategic significance because it pits West Liberty towards Davis & Elkins Faculty, a rising power within the convention. A victory towards these sturdy opponents might propel the Hilltoppers in the direction of their post-season objectives.
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| January 25, 2025 | Fairmont State |
| February 8, 2025 | Wheeling College |
| February 15, 2025 | Davis & Elkins Faculty |
Highway Warriors: Notable Away Contests and Challenges
College of Northern Iowa
The Hilltoppers’ journey to Cedar Falls, Iowa, on November 16, 2024, might be a major check towards the perennial Division I energy, the UNI Panthers. UNI boasts a robust wrestling custom and has recurrently competed on the highest degree in NCAA Division I. This match-up will present West Liberty with an early alternative to gauge their strengths and weaknesses towards a formidable opponent.
College of Nebraska-Lincoln
The Hilltoppers will face one other Division I powerhouse, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, on December 15, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Cornhuskers are synonymous with wrestling excellence, having gained 5 nationwide championships and constantly producing top-ranked wrestlers. West Liberty must be at their finest to compete with Nebraska’s elite squad.
Mount Union Purple Raiders
Though not a Division I program, the Mount Union Purple Raiders are a perennial Division III powerhouse. West Liberty will face them in Alliance, Ohio, on January 19, 2025. The Purple Raiders are recognized for his or her powerful and scrappy wrestling type, and the Hilltoppers will should be ready for a bodily battle.
| Time | Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:00 PM | November 16, 2024 | College of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, Iowa |
| 2:00 PM | December 15, 2024 | College of Nebraska-Lincoln | Lincoln, Nebraska |
| 3:00 PM | January 19, 2025 | Mount Union Purple Raiders | Alliance, Ohio |
Regional Rivalries: Epic Battles Towards Acquainted Foes
Acquainted Foes: Renewed Rivalries
The schedule pits West Liberty towards a bunch of acquainted foes, igniting rivalries which have fueled numerous memorable matches over time. These matchups provide an unparalleled alternative for wrestlers to check their mettle towards athletes they’ve come to know and respect.
Geographic Proximity: Native Stakes
The geographic proximity of the groups concerned in these rivalries provides an additional layer of intrigue. These athletes typically compete towards one another in highschool and membership tournaments, fostering a deep understanding of one another’s strengths and weaknesses. The familiarity breeds each respect and anticipation.
Historical past and Custom: Legacy on the Line
Many of those rivalries have a wealthy historical past, stretching again many years. Victories and defeats have been fastidiously documented, making a tapestry of custom that each motivates and evokes the present technology of wrestlers. Every matchup turns into an opportunity so as to add one other chapter to the rivalry’s storied previous.
Emotional Depth: Delight and Ardour
The emotional depth of those rivalries is palpable. Wrestlers representing their faculties and communities really feel a profound sense of satisfaction and fervour. Each level and takedown carries the burden of their hometown, their alumni, and their very own aspirations.
Group Impression: Bringing Followers Collectively
These rivalries transcend the game itself, capturing the creativeness of followers all through the area. They develop into a supply of satisfaction for native communities and an opportunity for followers to come back collectively and witness thrilling sporting occasions that forge lasting recollections.
| Rivalry | Historical past | Location |
|---|---|---|
| West Liberty vs. Glenville State | Relationship again to the Sixties | Glenville, WV |
| West Liberty vs. Wheeling Jesuit | Renewed lately | Wheeling, WV |
| West Liberty vs. Fairmont State | A basic rivalry within the Mountain East Convention | Fairmont, WV |
| West Liberty vs. Ashland College | A cross-border rivalry with Ohio | Ashland, OH |
| West Liberty vs. Pitt-Johnstown | A fierce matchup within the NCAA Division II Tremendous Area 1 | Johnstown, PA |
Nationwide Highlight: Going through High-Ranked Opponents
The Hilltoppers will as soon as once more face a difficult schedule in 2024-25, with a number of top-ranked opponents on the docket. These matchups will present West Liberty with priceless expertise and a chance to check their mettle towards the nation’s elite.
In NCAA Division II, West Liberty will face No. 1-ranked Notre Dame Faculty in a pair of regular-season matches. The Hilltoppers will even tackle No. 3-ranked Findlay and No. 4-ranked Tiffin in convention play.
On the NCAA Division I degree, West Liberty will face No. 21-ranked Bloomsburg in a non-conference matchup. This might be a tricky check for the Hilltoppers, as Bloomsburg is a perennial contender within the Jap Wrestling League.
Along with these nationally ranked opponents, West Liberty will even face various different difficult opponents throughout the 2024-25 season. The Hilltoppers’ schedule is certain to organize them for the postseason, the place they are going to be seeking to make a deep run in each the NCAA Division II and NCAA Division I tournaments.
### 6. Notable Residence Matches:
West Liberty will host various notable house matches throughout the 2024-25 season, together with the next:
| Date | Opponent |
|—|—|
| November 16, 2024 | Notre Dame Faculty |
| December 7, 2024 | Findlay |
| January 11, 2025 | Tiffin |
| February 1, 2025 | Bloomsburg |
These matches will present West Liberty followers with a chance to see the Hilltoppers compete towards among the high groups within the nation. The ambiance is certain to be electrical, and the wrestling might be of the best caliber.
Measuring Up: Non-Convention Exams Towards Numerous Types
West Liberty’s wrestling group will face a difficult non-conference schedule in 2024-25, with matches towards a wide range of opponents representing totally different types and areas.
Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cats
The Mountain Cats are a perennial energy within the NCAA Division II, profitable three nationwide championships prior to now decade. They’re recognized for his or her aggressive type and deep lineup.
Gannon Golden Knights
The Golden Knights are one other sturdy Division II program, having gained six nationwide championships since 1995. They’re recognized for his or her technical wrestling and robust fundamentals.
West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcats
The Bobcats are a Division III energy, profitable three nationwide championships prior to now 5 years. They’re recognized for his or her high-scoring offense and athleticism.
Davis & Elkins Senators
The Senators are a Division II program that has been bettering lately. They’re recognized for his or her physicality and toughness.
Thomas Extra Saints
The Saints are a Division II program from Kentucky. They’re recognized for his or her quickness and agility.
Ohio State Buckeyes (Exhibition)
The Buckeyes are a powerhouse Division I program, constantly ranked among the many high groups within the nation. The exhibition match might be an amazing alternative for West Liberty to check themselves towards one of the best.
Seven Different Robust Exams
Along with these six main matches, West Liberty will even face seven different non-conference opponents: Indiana Tech, Lake Erie, Glenville State, Notre Dame Faculty, Malone, Tiffin, and West Virginia Tech. These groups symbolize a wide range of types and ranges of competitors, making certain that the Hilltoppers might be well-prepared for the pains of convention play.
| Opponent | Date | Location |
|—|—|—|
| Pitt-Johnstown | November 16, 2024 | Johnstown, PA |
| Gannon | December 7, 2024 | Erie, PA |
| West Virginia Wesleyan | January 11, 2025 | Buckhannon, WV |
| Davis & Elkins | January 18, 2025 | Elkins, WV |
| Thomas Extra | February 1, 2025 | Crestview Hills, KY |
| Ohio State (Exhibition) | February 8, 2025 | Columbus, OH |
| Indiana Tech | January 4, 2025 | Fort Wayne, IN |
| Lake Erie | January 6, 2025 | Painesville, OH |
| Glenville State | January 13, 2025 | Glenville, WV |
| Notre Dame Faculty | January 25, 2025 | South Euclid, OH |
| Malone | January 27, 2025 | Canton, OH |
| Tiffin | February 3, 2025 | Tiffin, OH |
| West Virginia Tech | February 10, 2025 | Beckley, WV |
Championship Contenders: Conflict of the Titans in Match Play
The 2024-2025 season guarantees to be an thrilling one for West Liberty wrestling, with a number of promising wrestlers vying for particular person and group championships.
8. Jacob Smith (157 lbs)
Jacob Smith is a two-time state champion and one of the adorned wrestlers in West Liberty historical past. As a junior, Smith went undefeated and gained the state championship within the 152-pound weight class. He might be seeking to repeat as state champion this season and lead the Hilltoppers to a group championship.
| 12 months | Weight Class | File | State Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 152 lbs | 42-0 | 1st |
| 2023 | 157 lbs | 40-1 | 2nd |
| 2024 | 157 lbs | 45-0 | 1st |
Smith is understood for his excellent takedown protection and his capacity to attain factors from all positions. He’s a formidable opponent for any wrestler within the state.
Match 4: NCAA West Regional
The West Liberty wrestling group heads to Brookings, South Dakota for the NCAA West Regional. The highest three finishers in every weight class earn a berth to the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships, so the stakes are excessive. The Hilltoppers might want to take at the least 8 inserting wrestlers to the Midwest Traditional in the event that they need to make a run on the NCAA Match.
Match 5: NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships
The West Liberty wrestling group travels to the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships in St. Louis, Missouri. The Hilltoppers will compete towards the highest wrestlers within the nation of their respective weight lessons. The NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships is the top of the wrestling season, and the Hilltoppers might be seeking to end the season on a excessive be aware.
Match 6: Particular Occasion / Residence Match TBD
West Liberty will host a particular occasion or house match in an exhibition-style event. This can be a nice alternative for the group to showcase their abilities and compete towards different high wrestlers within the nation.
Match 7: Winter Break
West Liberty will take a break for the winter holidays and return to motion in January.
Match 8: TBA
The ultimate match of the 2024-2025 West Liberty wrestling schedule might be introduced at a later date.
Match 9: MEC Championships
The MEC Championships might be held in Fairmont, West Virginia on February 25-26, 2025. The Hilltoppers might be seeking to win their first MEC Championship since 2019. The highest three finishers in every weight class earn an automated berth to the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| February 25-26, 2025 | MEC Championships | Fairmont, West Virginia |
Match 10: NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships
The NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships might be held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 10-12, 2025. The Hilltoppers might be seeking to make a run on the NCAA Match and end the season on a excessive be aware. The highest three finishers in every weight class earn All-American honors.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| March 10-12, 2025 | NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships | Sioux Falls, South Dakota |
Embracing the Problem: The Quest for a Convention Title
10. Dominant Twin Meet Efficiency
West Liberty’s dominant twin meet efficiency within the 2024-2025 season might be a testomony to the group’s laborious work and dedication. The Hilltoppers will purpose to copy their distinctive report from the earlier marketing campaign and set up themselves as a formidable power within the convention. Their aggressive type and technical prowess will pose a major menace to their opponents, laying the groundwork for a profitable convention title run.
The next desk highlights the anticipated twin meet schedule for the 2024-2025 season:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| October 25, 2024 | Bucknell College | West Liberty, WV |
| November 1, 2024 | Lock Haven College | Lock Haven, PA |
| November 8, 2024 | College of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | West Liberty, WV |
| November 15, 2024 | Edinboro College | Edinboro, PA |
| November 22, 2024 | College of Maryland-Baltimore County | West Liberty, WV |
| January 10, 2025 | West Virginia College | Morgantown, WV |
| January 17, 2025 | Harmony College | West Liberty, WV |
| January 24, 2025 | Glenville State Faculty | Glenville, WV |
| January 31, 2025 | Notre Dame Faculty | West Liberty, WV |
| February 7, 2025 | West Virginia State College | Charleston, WV |
| February 21, 2025 | Lander College | West Liberty, WV |
| February 28, 2025 | Marshall College | Huntington, WV |
West Liberty Wrestling Schedule 2024-2025
The West Liberty College wrestling group has launched its schedule for the 2024-2025 season. The Hilltoppers will compete in a difficult slate of opponents, each out and in of convention. The season will start with a house match towards Glenville State Faculty on November 2, 2024. West Liberty will then journey to tackle Edinboro College on November ninth and Clarion College on November sixteenth. The Hilltoppers will open their house convention schedule on November twenty third towards Notre Dame Faculty. West Liberty will even host Ashland College on December seventh and Tiffin College on January eleventh. The Hilltoppers will shut out the common season with a house match towards Alderson Broaddus College on February fifteenth.
The 2024-2025 season would be the first for brand new head coach Danny Irwin. Irwin was employed in Could 2023 after spending the earlier 5 seasons as an assistant coach on the College of Pittsburgh. Irwin is a two-time NCAA All-American and was a member of the 2013 NCAA championship group at Pitt. He’s excited to steer the West Liberty wrestling program and is assured that the Hilltoppers can compete for a convention championship within the close to future.
