West Liberty, W.Va. - The Mountain East Conference (MEC) continued its rollout of 2024-25 season awards on Wednesday with the announcement of its Male and Female Athlete of the Year honors. For the fifth consecutive year, the MEC Male Athlete of the Year includes a Hilltopper—this time, wrestling phenom Ty McGeary, who earned Co-Male Athlete of the Year honors alongside Chavon Wright, a running back from the University of Charleston.

McGeary becomes the third WLU student-athlete in MEC history to win the award in back-to-back years and the seventh Hilltopper in the past 11 seasons to earn the league's highest individual athletic honor. He follows an elite lineage of West Liberty greats, including Bryce Butler (2021-22, 2022-23), Dalton Bolon (2020-21), and Seger Bonifant (2014-15, 2015-16).

A model of consistency, dominance, and leadership, McGeary concluded his legendary career as a three-time NCAA Division II National Champion, capturing titles in 2023, 2024, and 2025. He capped his final season with a 33-1 record, pushing his career total to an astonishing 132-7 overall. Over his last two seasons, he was nearly untouchable, compiling a 66-1 record against top national competition.

The McDonald, Pa. native also made history as the first wrestler in West Liberty and MEC history to win four consecutive conference titles, further cementing his legacy as the most decorated wrestler the program has ever produced. His dominance on the mat has elevated Hilltopper wrestling to national prominence and set a new standard for excellence.

Off the mat, McGeary's academic accolades are just as impressive. He was recently named a CSC Academic All-District® selection for the third straight year and is once again a finalist for the prestigious Academic All-America® Team. He earned First Team Academic All-America honors in 2023 and earlier this year received the 2025 NCAA Division II Men's Scholar All-America Award—recognizing his exceptional achievements in both academics and athletics.

With a legacy that spans championships, records, and academic excellence, McGeary leaves West Liberty as not only the most accomplished wrestler in school history but also as one of the most respected and impactful student-athletes to ever represent the Black and Gold.

MEC Male Athlete of the Year – Past Winners

• 2014-15: Seger Bonifant (Basketball, West Liberty)

• 2015-16: Seger Bonifant (Basketball, West Liberty)

• 2016-17: Matt Bingaya (Basketball, Fairmont State)

• 2017-18: Thomas Vancaeyezeele (Soccer, Charleston)

• 2018-19: Will Vorhees (Basketball, Notre Dame)

• 2019-20: Jaleel McLaughlin (Football, Notre Dame)

• 2020-21: Dalton Bolon (Basketball, West Liberty)

• 2021-22: Bryce Butler (Basketball, West Liberty)

• 2022-23: Bryce Butler (Basketball, West Liberty)

• 2023-24: Ty McGeary (Wrestling, West Liberty)

• 2024-25: Ty McGeary (Wrestling, West Liberty) & Chavon Wright (Football, Charleston)