WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – West Liberty University head wrestling coach has announced the addition of former Hilltopper standout Chase Logan to the WLU coaching staff for the 2021-22 season.
    A former NCAA Division II national qualifier for the Black and Gold, Logan is replacing Max Lacey on the sidelines for the nationally-ranked Black and Gold. Lacey has accepted a Resident Athlete position at the Indiana Regional Training Center working with the coaching staff at NCAA Division I Indiana University.
    Logan is a 2020 West Liberty graduate who qualified for the 2020 NCAA Division II Nationals in Sioux Falls, S.D. but never got to compete as the NCAA canceled the event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Greensburg, Pa. native is excited to be reunited with his college mat mentor back at his alma mater.
    "I'm thrilled to be joining back up with the hardest working team in the country," Logan said. "It is going to be a fun year."
    Irwin, who was Logan's coach throughout his collegiate career at then-Wheeling Jesuit and West Liberty, is also happy to have Logan's energy and drive back in the wrestling room.
    "Coach Logan was a tremendous leader with our program who gave his all every day," Irwin said. "I'm excited to bring him back to campus as a coach because he has such a strong grasp of our system and wants to get the best out of everyone."
    Lacey, a member of the Costa Rica World Team and a two-time Pan American Championships medalist, came to West Liberty with Irwin from Wheeling and played an instrumental role in helping lead the Hilltoppers to the school's first NCAA Division II regional title and a fourth-place finish at the NCAA D2 Nationals this past March.
    "While I'm really excited for the new position, it is a bit bittersweet to leave a team of people at West Liberty who have had such an impact on my life and career," Lacey said. "I want to especially thank Coach Irwin for being such an amazing mentor, coach, friend and leader. It has been my pleasure to share an office and a wrestling mat with him. I wish nothing but the best for Coach Irwin and his program. Go Hilltoppers!"
    Irwin was equally complimentary, expressing his deep appreciation for the tremendous contribution Lacey made to the growth of the program along with the inspiration he provided on a daily basis.
    "Obviously, we hate to lose such a quality individual but we're thrilled for Max to have earned such a great opportunity," Irwin said. "An incredible leader and compass for our program, he played an integral role in the program's return to national prominence. It was so impressive to see him strike that challenging balance between continuing to chase his dreams while helping our young men pursue their own but he can take pride in doing an incredible job.
    "Max will always be family at West Liberty and we wish him all the best as he continues to track down senior level medals on the world stage!"
    Ranked No. 5 in the NCAA Division II Preseason Poll, West Liberty is gearing up for Thursday night's home season opener against No. 21 Pitt-Johnstown. First match is set for 6:30 p.m. inside the ASRC.