West Liberty, W.Va. - The West Liberty University men's wrestling team heads to Ohio this weekend for one of the toughest qualifying events in the country — the NCAA Division II Super Regional III Championships, hosted by University of Findlay on Saturday.
With national tournament berths on the line, the Hilltoppers enter the postseason coming off a Mountain East Conference championship and strong late-season momentum.
"We've been wrestling our best each and every time out," head coach Danny Irwin said. "I feel like we've really been coming on in January and here at the start of February, and that's exactly what it's going to take this weekend. Let's go out there, give our best effort, wrestle through the whistle — and if we do that, good things are going to happen for the Hilltoppers."
West Liberty will send a full lineup into one of Division II's deepest and most competitive regions:
Armstrong returns to the regional stage looking to repeat as champion at 133 pounds, while Grace brings valuable postseason experience as a two-time national qualifier. Wood (28 wins), Taddy, a 2024 national qualifier (27 wins), and Winegardner (24 wins) anchor the middle weights with strong resumes entering the weekend.
At 165 pounds, Watters, 2022 national qualifier, has been dominant in limited action, posting a 10-1 record, while Byerly (8-1) has provided steady production at 184.
Irwin believes his team is progressing exactly how it needs to heading into the postseason.
"I don't know if some people call it peaking," Irwin said. "I look at it as we're executing better in high-stress situations. When your heart's beating and you're tired, can you execute the details? That's what has shown. I think our guys are mentally fit right now. They're ready for the challenge."
With training volume tapering this week, the focus has shifted toward recovery and mental sharpness.
"Our guys are right where they need to be," Irwin said. "Their bodies feel good, their minds are ready. Now it's about going out there and competing."
Super Regional III has long been regarded as one of the nation's toughest qualifying brackets — a "minefield" loaded with ranked wrestlers and returning national qualifiers.
But that's exactly the type of test the Hilltoppers welcome.
"We've always known our regional is tough," Irwin said. "We embrace that. We want challenges. At the end of the day, it's about finding ways. Wrestling through tough positions. Competing through the whistle."
With NCAA Championship berths at stake, West Liberty will look to translate its late-season momentum into postseason success and continue building on what has already been a championship season in the MEC.
Action begins Saturday at Findlay, with the Hilltoppers aiming to punch their tickets to the NCAA Division II National Championships.
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.
