WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — More accolades rolled in Tuesday for the West Liberty University men's wrestling program as senior Ty McGeary was named Mountain East Conference (MEC) Wrestler of the Year for a record third consecutive season, while standout newcomer James Armstrong Jr. was honored as the MEC Freshman of the Year.
For McGeary, the recognition adds yet another highlight to an already legendary career. He becomes the most decorated wrestler in program history and one of the most dominant in conference history. Alongside his 2023 and 2024 MEC Wrestler of the Year titles, McGeary was also the MEC Freshman of the Year in 2021. His award marks the fifth consecutive year a Hilltopper has earned the conference's top wrestling honor, following Cole Laya's back-to-back selections in 2021 and 2022.
McGeary capped off his senior season in style, claiming his third straight NCAA Division II national championship and posting a stellar 33-1 record, including 29 bonus-point victories. He was named Most Outstanding Wrestler at the 2025 NCAA Division II National Championships and finished the season as the Division II Most Dominant Wrestler, while ranking fourth nationally in total falls.
In addition, McGeary became the first wrestler in MEC and West Liberty history to win four consecutive conference championships. He concluded his collegiate career with a remarkable 132-7 record, going 66-1 over his final two seasons. Off the mat, his excellence continued as he earned Academic All-America honors for the fourth straight year.
Armstrong Jr., a Tucson, Arizona native, adds his name to an elite list of Hilltoppers who have earned Freshman of the Year honors, joining McGeary (2021), Khyvon Grace (2023), and Nico Taddy (2024). In his debut season, Armstrong Jr. captured the 133 lb. title at the NCAA Super Region 3 Tournament, securing a berth in the national tournament. He finished his freshman campaign with a 29-11 record and placed third at the MEC Championships.
Head Coach Danny Irwin praised both athletes, stating,
"Our conference continues to grow stronger each year in wrestling, and having Ty and James recognized with these awards is a tremendous honor. Their dedication, talent, and consistency are what set them apart."
Since the MEC started naming these awards, 2020 was the only year West Liberty did not have an athlete win wrestler of the year or freshman of the year.
