WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty Hilltoppers wrestling return to the ASRC on Thursday night for a marquee nonconference dual against Ashland Eagles wrestling, with first whistle set for 6:30 p.m. The evening also serves as Senior Night, as the Hilltoppers will honor eight seniors prior to the opening bout.

West Liberty enters the dual riding momentum after capturing its fourth Mountain East Conference Tournament championship on January 31 — the program's first since 2023. The Black & Gold crowned five individual champions, produced two runners-up, and added three third-place finishers, with all 10 wrestlers earning All-MEC honors.

Senior Night Honorees

Toby Abbott • Parker Bentley • Matt Englehardt • Khyvon Grace • Ridge Kidder • Bryson Neidigh • Jordan Watters • Carter Winegardner

MEC Championship Recap

• Champions: Tony Wood (149), Nico Taddy (157) – second MEC title, Jordan Watters (165), Carter Winegardner (174), Oliver Byerly (184)
   

• Runners-Up: Logan Davis (125), James Armstrong Jr. (133)
   

• Third Place: Khyvon Grace (141) — fourth straight top-3 finish; Parker Bentley (285)
   

Rankings & National Notables

• West Liberty is ranked No. 20 nationally by The Open Mat
   

• Five nationally ranked Hilltoppers:
   

  • 125: Logan Davis — #11 TOM / #15 NWCA
     

  • 141: Khyvon Grace — #7 TOM
     

  • 157: Nico Taddy — #9 TOM / #9 NWCA
     

  • 165: Jordan Watters — #5 TOM
     

  • 174: Carter Winegardner — #20 TOM
     

Series Notes

Ashland claimed last season's meeting 28-18 in Ashland. Prior to that, West Liberty had won three straight duals, following a stretch in which the Eagles won six consecutive meetings.

Probable Lineups

• 125: #11/15 Logan Davis (So.) – 11-5 | New Cumberland, W.Va.
   

• 133: James Armstrong Jr. (So.) – 16-8 | Tucson, Ariz.
   

• 141: #7 Khyvon Grace (Sr.) – 21-6 | Coraopolis, Pa.
   

• 149: Tony Wood (So.) – 28-11 | Portland, Ind.
   

• 157: #9/9 Nico Taddy (Jr.) – 25-7 | McDonald, Pa.
   

• 165: #5 Jordan Watters (Gr.) – 10-1 | Imperial, Pa.
   

• 174: #20 Carter Winegardner (Gr.) – 23-4 | Zanesville, Ohio
   

• 184: Oliver Byerly (R-So.) – 7-0 | Plain City, Ohio
   

• 197: Gabe Blissenbach (So.) – 25-10 | Lisbon, Ohio
   

• 285: Parker Bentley (R-Jr.) – 20-9 | Inwood, W.Va.
  
  
  
  West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.