The West Liberty wrestling program is getting ready for a giant yr in 2024-2025. The Hilltoppers return a robust core of wrestlers from final yr’s group that completed with a file of 12-5. West Liberty shall be seeking to enhance on that file this yr 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 in opposition to Notre Dame School on November ninth. The Hilltoppers will then journey to Indianapolis, Indiana for the Midwest Basic on November seventeenth and 18th. West Liberty may 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 shall be led by a robust group of wrestlers in 2024-2025. The Hilltoppers return three All-People from final yr’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-People and a gifted crop of newcomers, West Liberty is a pressure to be reckoned with.
The Hilltoppers boast a deep and skilled lineup, with a number of wrestlers ranked among the many greatest within the nation. Nationwide champion Simon Smith leads the best way 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 workers, led by head coach Danny Irwin, has a confirmed observe file of guiding groups to nationwide prominence. With a wealth of information and strategic planning, they may undoubtedly push the wrestlers to achieve their full potential and attempt for one more 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 may start their marketing campaign with a house twin meet in opposition to Ohio Valley College on November 2, 2024.
Different notable matchups embody a street match at rival Pitt-Johnstown on January 25, 2025, and a marquee dwelling twin meet in opposition to defending NCAA Division I champion Penn State on February 9, 2025.
Key Dates to Mark:
| Date | Occasion |
|---|---|
| November 2, 2024 | Dwelling Twin: Ohio Valley College |
| January 25, 2025 | Away Twin: Pitt-Johnstown |
| February 9, 2025 | Dwelling 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 take a look at 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 dwelling and away competitions.
Common Season Highlights
West Liberty’s common season will kick off on November fifteenth with an thrilling dwelling match in opposition to Clarion College. Different notable matchups embody:
- December twenty ninth: A street journey to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to face No. 1-ranked Northern Iowa
- January thirteenth: A showdown with rival Wheeling Jesuit on their dwelling turf
- February 1st: An important dwelling match in opposition to Ashland College, a perennial contender within the Nice Midwest Athletic Convention
- February sixteenth: The common season finale, a house match in opposition to 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 |
Dwelling Turf Benefit: Key Dwelling Matches and Dates
Match 1: West Liberty vs. Fairmont State (January 25, 2025)
The season kicks off with an exciting dwelling match in opposition to long-time rival Fairmont State. Recognized 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 dwelling. With each groups boasting gifted wrestlers, this match is poised to check West Liberty’s limits.
Match 3: West Liberty vs. Davis & Elkins School (February 15, 2025)
This dwelling match holds strategic significance because it pits West Liberty in opposition to Davis & Elkins School, a rising pressure within the convention. A victory in opposition to these sturdy opponents might propel the Hilltoppers in direction of their post-season objectives.
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| January 25, 2025 | Fairmont State |
| February 8, 2025 | Wheeling College |
| February 15, 2025 | Davis & Elkins School |
Highway Warriors: Notable Away Contests and Challenges
College of Northern Iowa
The Hilltoppers’ journey to Cedar Falls, Iowa, on November 16, 2024, shall be a big take a look at in opposition to the perennial Division I energy, the UNI Panthers. UNI boasts a robust wrestling custom and has frequently 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 in opposition to 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 received 5 nationwide championships and constantly producing top-ranked wrestlers. West Liberty must be at their greatest 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 fashion, and the Hilltoppers will have to 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 In opposition to Acquainted Foes
Acquainted Foes: Renewed Rivalries
The schedule pits West Liberty in opposition to a bunch of acquainted foes, igniting rivalries which have fueled numerous memorable matches over time. These matchups supply an unparalleled alternative for wrestlers to check their mettle in opposition to 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 usually compete in opposition to 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 a long time. 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: Pleasure and Ardour
The emotional depth of those rivalries is palpable. Wrestlers representing their colleges and communities really feel a profound sense of delight and keenness. Each level and takedown carries the load of their hometown, their alumni, and their very own aspirations.
Neighborhood Impression: Bringing Followers Collectively
These rivalries transcend the game itself, capturing the creativeness of followers all through the area. They grow to be a supply of delight for native communities and an opportunity for followers to come back collectively and witness thrilling sporting occasions that forge lasting reminiscences.
| Rivalry | Historical past | Location |
|---|---|---|
| West Liberty vs. Glenville State | Relationship again to the Sixties | Glenville, WV |
| West Liberty vs. Wheeling Jesuit | Renewed in recent times | Wheeling, WV |
| West Liberty vs. Fairmont State | A traditional 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: Dealing with 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 precious expertise and a possibility to check their mettle in opposition to the nation’s elite.
In NCAA Division II, West Liberty will face No. 1-ranked Notre Dame School in a pair of regular-season matches. The Hilltoppers may 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 shall be a troublesome take a look at for the Hilltoppers, as Bloomsburg is a perennial contender within the Japanese Wrestling League.
Along with these nationally ranked opponents, West Liberty may even face plenty of different difficult opponents in the course of the 2024-25 season. The Hilltoppers’ schedule is bound to arrange 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 Dwelling Matches:
West Liberty will host plenty of notable dwelling matches in the course of the 2024-25 season, together with the next:
| Date | Opponent |
|—|—|
| November 16, 2024 | Notre Dame School |
| December 7, 2024 | Findlay |
| January 11, 2025 | Tiffin |
| February 1, 2025 | Bloomsburg |
These matches will present West Liberty followers with a possibility to see the Hilltoppers compete in opposition to a few of the high groups within the nation. The environment is bound to be electrical, and the wrestling shall be of the best caliber.
Measuring Up: Non-Convention Checks In opposition to Various Types
West Liberty’s wrestling group will face a difficult non-conference schedule in 2024-25, with matches in opposition to a wide range of opponents representing completely different types and areas.
Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cats
The Mountain Cats are a perennial energy within the NCAA Division II, successful three nationwide championships previously decade. They’re recognized for his or her aggressive fashion and deep lineup.
Gannon Golden Knights
The Golden Knights are one other sturdy Division II program, having received 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, successful three nationwide championships previously 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 enhancing in recent times. 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 shall be an incredible alternative for West Liberty to check themselves in opposition to the very best.
Seven Different Powerful Checks
Along with these six main matches, West Liberty may even face seven different non-conference opponents: Indiana Tech, Lake Erie, Glenville State, Notre Dame School, Malone, Tiffin, and West Virginia Tech. These groups characterize a wide range of types and ranges of competitors, guaranteeing that the Hilltoppers shall 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 School | 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 vital adorned wrestlers in West Liberty historical past. As a junior, Smith went undefeated and received the state championship within the 152-pound weight class. He shall be seeking to repeat as state champion this season and lead the Hilltoppers to a group championship.
| Yr | Weight Class | Document | State Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 152 lbs | 42-0 | 1st |
| 2023 | 157 lbs | 40-1 | 2nd |
| 2024 | 157 lbs | 45-0 | 1st |
Smith is thought for his excellent takedown protection and his potential 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 no less than 8 putting wrestlers to the Midwest Basic 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 in opposition to the highest wrestlers within the nation of their respective weight courses. The NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships is the top of the wrestling season, and the Hilltoppers shall be seeking to end the season on a excessive word.
Match 6: Particular Occasion / Dwelling Match TBD
West Liberty will host a particular occasion or dwelling match in an exhibition-style event. This can be a nice alternative for the group to showcase their abilities and compete in opposition to 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 shall be introduced at a later date.
Match 9: MEC Championships
The MEC Championships shall be held in Fairmont, West Virginia on February 25-26, 2025. The Hilltoppers shall be seeking to win their first MEC Championship since 2019. The highest three finishers in every weight class earn an computerized 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 shall be held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 10-12, 2025. The Hilltoppers shall be seeking to make a run on the NCAA Match and end the season on a excessive word. 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 shall be a testomony to the group’s onerous work and dedication. The Hilltoppers will purpose to copy their distinctive file from the earlier marketing campaign and set up themselves as a formidable pressure within the convention. Their aggressive fashion and technical prowess will pose a big 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 School | Glenville, WV |
| January 31, 2025 | Notre Dame School | 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 in opposition to Glenville State School 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 dwelling convention schedule on November twenty third in opposition to Notre Dame School. West Liberty may 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 in opposition to Alderson Broaddus College on February fifteenth.
The 2024-2025 season would be the first for brand spanking 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 guide the West Liberty wrestling program and is assured that the Hilltoppers can compete for a convention championship within the close to future.
