PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The West Liberty University men's wrestling team put together a statement performance on Saturday, rolling to a 4–0 record at the Johnson & Wales (R.I.) Quad with victories over the host Wildcats, Castleton, Stevens Tech, and Coast Guard.
The Hilltoppers delivered balanced, top-to-bottom production throughout the day, highlighted by standout performances from Oliver Byerly, who went 4–0 with two falls, and Carter Winegardner, who finished 3–0 with a technical fall and a major decision.
West Liberty opened the event with a hard-fought 17–16 win over Johnson & Wales, securing the dual with key victories in the middle weights. Winegardner earned a gritty 4–2 decision at 174, and Byerly followed at 197 with an 8–4 decision that ultimately proved decisive.
The Hilltoppers carried that momentum into a 31–6 victory over Castleton, dominating nine of the 10 bouts. West Liberty racked up bonus points behind Armstrong's forfeit win, Grace's major decision, Wood's major, Taddy's decision, Winegardner's 19–3 tech fall, and Byerly's 5–1 decision at 197.
West Liberty continued its strong performance with a 30–13 triumph over Stevens Tech, fueled by a run of five straight wins from 165 through heavyweight. Bodie Morgan sparked the surge with a first-period fall at 165, and Winegardner followed with a 17–5 major at 174. Byerly delivered another pin, sticking his 184-pound opponent in 1:59, and Devon Bell added a fall at 197. Parker Bentley closed the dual with a 9–5 decision at 285.
The Hilltoppers then completed the sweep with a victory over Coast Guard, finishing the day unbeaten.
Top Performers
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Oliver Byerly (197/184): 4–0, two pins, one key dual-clinching win
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Carter Winegardner (174): 3–0, tech fall, major decision
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James Armstrong Jr. (133): 2–1, including a 15–0 tech fall vs. Stevens Tech
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Anthony Wood (149): Multiple wins, including majors vs. Castleton
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Nico Taddy (157): Strong day with a tech fall and decisions
West Liberty returns to action next Saturday at the Baldwin Wallace Invite.
