FINDLAY, Ohio – The West Liberty University men's wrestling team delivered a standout performance at NCAA Division II Super Regional III, crowning three individual champions and qualifying six wrestlers for the NCAA Division II National Championships. The top three finishers in each weight class earned automatic bids to nationals.
Leading the way for the Hilltoppers were regional champions Khyvon Grace (141), Nico Taddy (157), and Oliver Byerly (184). Logan Davis (125), James Armstrong Jr. (133), and Parker Bentley (285) each added runner-up finishes to punch their tickets to the national tournament.
At 141 pounds, Grace went 3-0 en route to the title. After a first-round bye, he dominated his quarterfinal with a 20-3 technical fall over Benjamin McComas (Davis & Elkins). He followed with a semifinal decision before winning a 7-4 sudden victory match against Ethan Hardy (Glenville State) to secure the championship.
Taddy was dominant at 157, finishing a perfect 4-0. He opened with back-to-back technical falls, outscoring his first two opponents 30-0 combined. Taddy then earned an 11-5 semifinal decision and capped his run with a 7-3 victory over Jimmie Bailes (Glenville State) in the finals.
At 184, Byerly claimed the regional crown with a 3-0 showing. He posted a major decision in the quarterfinals, added a semifinal win, and sealed the championship with a 7-3 decision over Fletcher Rose (Ashland).
Davis battled to a second-place finish at 125 pounds. He secured a quarterfinal decision and a sudden victory semifinal win before dropping a narrow 8-7 decision to Anthony Aniciete (Tiffin) in the title bout.
At 133, Armstrong recorded two falls to open the tournament and added a sudden victory win in the semifinals. He finished runner-up after falling by major decision in the championship match.
Heavyweight Parker Bentley earned his spot at nationals with a pair of hard-fought decisions in the quarterfinals and semifinals. He placed second after competing in the title match.
Jordan Watters (165) and Carter Winegardner (174) each placed fourth, narrowly missing automatic qualification. Anthony Wood (149) contributed team points with an opening-round fall, while Gabe Blissenbach (197) competed in a challenging bracket.
As a team the Hilltoppers finished fourth overall.
With six automatic qualifiers and three regional champions, the Hilltoppers now turn their focus to the NCAA Division II National Championships March 13-14 in Sioux Falls, S.D..
Team Scores
1 Glenville State 142.0
2 Grand Valley State 140.5
3 Tiffin 119.0
4 West Liberty 118.5
5 Ashland 103.0
6 Findlay 93.5
7 Lake Erie 47.0
8 Bluefield State 13.5
9 Salem 13.0
10 Davenport 9.5
11 Davis & Elkins 3.5
12 Emory & Henry 0.0
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.
