WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — On Saturday, October 24, the West Liberty University Wrestling program took its motto “Never Stop Climbing” to the hills.
Head Coach Danny Irwin, joined by Women’s Wrestling Staff Assistant Coach Ridge
Kidder, completed a marathon to raise funds and awareness of the new Bobby Douglas
Wrestling Complex, a facility to honor a man who broke barriers and redefined the sport.
The run began at St. Clairsville High School, where the pair started their first three miles on the track before take off to the Hilltop, 27.6 miles of grueling endurance, faith, and unity. For the two, every stride was more than a physical challenge. It was a symbolic climb towards something much bigger.
“Running Saturday was an incredible experience” said Irwin.“It challenged me in ways I hadn’t yet been challenged in life. However, nothing compares to the challenges Coach Douglas faced to achieve the things that he did. He was one of the original trailblazers in sports history. Being the first at almost every stop along his way.”
Irwin and Kidder were joined by coach Dakoda Rodgers at the 14 mile mark, while close friend and trainer of Irwin Dave Kozusnik joined after 5 miles. For Kidder, the day had an especially personal meaning. He stepped in to run in place of Women’s Wrestling Head Coach Troy Bell, who drove alongside all the runners all 27.6 miles.
Kidder’s participation was more than just filling a role; it was a show of respect and loyalty he carried for coach Bell. Kidder said, “running this marathon to help support the wrestling program was an honor and I’m just happy I was able to be a part of this changing movement.”
The path itself had a significant meeting as they ran through memory lane. From St. Clairsville, they traveled to Bridgeport, where Douglas began his journey right here in the Ohio Valley.
Douglas was the first African American Ohio High School State Champion at Bridgeport High School. He went on to win an NAIA National Championship at 130 pounds for West Liberty in 1960 before launching one of the most decorated wrestling and coaching careers in the U. S. history.
Douglas was the first African American to compete for the United States in the 1964
Olympics, taking 4th place and just missing a medal in that event. Following his Olympic run he won a silver medal at the 1966 World Championships and a bronze medal in1970.
After competing, Douglas became the first African American Head Coach of the U.S. Olympic Team in 1992. His coaching career spanned more than three decades and produced 13 NCAA champions, including Cael Sanderson – a four-time National Champion and the only undefeated wrestler in history with a winning record of 159-0, 110 All-Americans, and over 400 dual meet wins.
For Irwin, the marathon was about honoring history while building for the future. The initiative, Never Stop Climbing Campaign is more than a project: it’s a movement. This is about bringing alumni, fans, and the surrounding community together to fulfill this shared mission to celebrate a legend and inspire generations to come.
Coach Troy Bell, who oversees the Women’s Wrestling program, praised Irwin’s leadership and example. “Leadership is always active, it never stops, and embodies one’s actions,” Bell said. “Coach Irwin demonstrates the intangible leadership traits daily that few can emulate. I’ve been around a lot of great leaders in my Marine Corp career, and Coach Irwin fits that mold. I’m proud to be part of this family culture on the Hilltop.”
As the Hilltoppers continue to climb toward completing the Douglas Complex, Irwin says the true reward is within the unity built within the program and community.
“Coach Douglas paved the way for so many,” Irwin said “Now it’s our turn to keep building on that foundation to create something that reflects who he is and what he stands for.”
With every step of the marathon, all the coaches carried each other with the sport of Douglas legacy. Determination, perseverance, and the belief that no climb is to high. Then, when the new doors of the complex open, it won’t just mark the next chapter in West Liberty Wrestling: it will be a lasting symbol of how far the Hilltoppers are willing to go for the ones who made this climb possible.
Over the past several weeks, Irwin and his team have raised thousands of dollars towards the Coach Bobby Douglas Wrestling Complex. Yet, Irwin says this goal isn’t about fundraising. It’s about keeping the legacy of Douglas’ story alive.
“We were able to raise thousands of dollars for this run, which is important,” Irwin said. “However, the biggest goal is bringing awareness to this project to honor an icon in the sport
and in the Ohio Valley. I believe this is the most important story that needs to be shared in
wrestling right now.”
The planned complex will feature state-of-the-art training facilities for both the Men’s and
Women’s Wrestling program, becoming a cornerstone for the Hilltop legacy. Beyond its function, it will stand as a live tribute to Bobby Douglas, whose career broke racial barriers and transformed the wrestling world.
