For the second consecutive year, the West Liberty University (WLU) Hilltoppers Wrestling team claimed the NCAA Division II Super Region 3 title. Four Hilltopper wrestlers were able to be crowned as champions of the region, and an overall total of eight black and gold wrestlers had punched their ticket to St. Louis, Missouri for the NCAA Division II National Tournament. The Hilltoppers, who earned their way to fourth in the nation, scored 142 points overall in the tournament, with the next closest team being Ashland with 111.5. With the runaway victory, it is safe to say Head Coach Danny Irwin is beyond proud of his team and what they have accomplished heading into nationals.

The top wrestler in the country for his weight class, Cole Laya, swept the board to improve to an impressive 23-3 on the season. With this run, he was able to shut out the number 2 seed Manuel Leija of Davenport, Mich. in the final match, ultimately heading to nationals to defend his National Championship throne. Also prepared to defend his national throne is two time National Champion Tyler Warner, who unfortunately did not win his weight bracket, but was able to place second in the region to book a ticket to St. Louis.

Jordan Waters will be making his debut in the national tournament, as he was able to secure a runner up finish in the regional tournament after unfortunately losing to Craig Cook, the top seed in the weight class. Both Chase Morgan and Logan Kemp were able to win their third place matches in their weight classes, allowing them to also take the trip down to St. Louis for a national championship title. Ty McGeary had won his weight class bracket, as Danie Beemer of Ashland was knocked out of the match due to injury. For McGeary, this will be his first trip to the national tournament.

Connor Craig remains the top wrestler in the country for his weight class on the season, as he was able to capture the regional throne for a potential National Championship. Finally, Francesco Borsellino capped off the incredible run of the Hilltoppers for the weekend, winning his final match of the night and a regional championship in the process.

For the Hilltoppers, it has undoubtedly been a long journey as the season has progressed, but as with every grind, the success and benefits often outweigh the lows the season might entail. With a staggering amount of talent headed to St. Louis for the NCAA Division II National Tournament on March 11-12, expect for the Hilltoppers to not only make a run individually, but collectively as a team.

For more information about wrestling on the Hilltop, please visit hilltoppersports.com.