WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — Few names in Hilltopper athletics carry the lasting impact and respect of Dr. Vince Monseau, a former three-sport athlete and legendary wrestling coach whose career at West Liberty spanned more than four decades.
A Weirton, W.Va. native, Monseau competed in football, wrestling, and track while earning his bachelor's degree in mathematics and physical education from West Liberty in 1962. After completing his master's and doctorate at West Virginia University, he launched what would become one of the most decorated coaching careers in NCAA Division II history.
Following a decade of success as a high school coach, Monseau entered the collegiate ranks at Peru State (Neb.), where he was recognized as runner-up for Collegiate Rookie Wrestling Coach of the Year by Amateur Wrestling News. The following year, he returned home to West Liberty to begin a legendary run as the Hilltoppers' head wrestling coach — one that would define an era.
From 1973 to 2004, Monseau's teams were a fixture on the national stage. Under his leadership, the Hilltoppers recorded eight Top-10 national finishes, including a national runner-up performance at the 1995 NAIA Nationals. When West Liberty transitioned to NCAA Division II the following year, his squad immediately made its mark with a sixth-place finish, producing one national champion and five All-Americans.
Over his 32 seasons at the helm, Monseau's Hilltoppers amassed a 359-221-7 dual meet record, while producing 72 All-Americans, 34 Academic All-Americans, and six national champions. His legacy extends far beyond wins and losses — he built a program rooted in integrity, accountability, and the belief that hard work and character lead to lasting success.
For his remarkable career, Monseau has been inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, the NAIA Hall of Fame, the NCAA Division II Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the OVAC Hall of Fame. He also served as Director of the 1979 and 1987 NAIA National Championships, an administrative assistant at the 2003 NCAA Division II Nationals, and was named a Lifetime Member of the National Wrestling Coaches Association in 2004.
Now retired, Dr. Monseau enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and proudly watching them compete in sports — a fitting continuation of his lifelong love for athletics and mentorship.
Sport you played/coached at West Liberty?
Played: Football, Track, Wrestling
Coached: Wrestling, Football, Track
Major?
Mathematics, Physical Education
Years you attended West Liberty?
Student: 1958–1962
Coach: 1973–2004
What are you doing now?
Retired and enjoying time with my grandchildren while watching them compete and participate in sports.
Favorite memory of West Liberty?
The lifelong friendships and camaraderie formed during both my student and coaching days. Going one-on-one with Dick Edge in football practice — despite the size difference — and earning his praise for my work ethic stands out. As a teacher and coach, being part of the West Liberty community was special. It was a great place to live and raise young children.
Advice to current athletes or students?
You can be whatever you want to be and find what you're looking for at West Liberty — but you have to work for it and challenge yourself.
What does it mean to be an alumnus of West Liberty?
Pride! I'm so proud to be part of a school that has produced so many outstanding and influential graduates. I always enjoy running into old teammates and student-athletes — it reminds me how special this place is.
Most influential coaches or teammates during your time here?
Dick Edge, Bud Billiard, Joe Bartell, Ollie Olson, Dr. Al Blatnik
