WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty Hilltoppers return home Thursday night to host Ashland Eagles in a highly anticipated nonconference dual at the ASRC. First whistle is set for 6:30 p.m., as West Liberty celebrates Senior Night.
West Liberty enters the matchup ranked No. 20 nationally by The Open Mat with a 9-6 overall record and a perfect 1-0 mark in Mountain East Conference duals. Ashland comes to town at 2-3, seeking to build momentum after snapping the Hilltoppers' recent winning streak in last season's meeting.
The Eagles claimed a 28–18 victory over West Liberty a year ago in Ashland, marking their first win in the series after the Hilltoppers had taken the previous three duals. Prior to that run, Ashland had won six straight meetings, setting the stage for another competitive chapter in the rivalry.
The Hilltoppers carry significant momentum into Thursday's contest after capturing their fourth Mountain East Conference Tournament Championship last Saturday — and their first league title since 2023. West Liberty crowned five individual champions, produced two runners-up, and added three third-place finishers, with all 10 wrestlers earning All-MEC honors.
Conference champions for the Black & Gold included Tony Wood (149), Nico Taddy (157) — who secured his second MEC title — Jordan Watters (165), Carter Winegardner (174), and Oliver Byerly (184). Logan Davis (125) and James Armstrong Jr. (133) finished as runners-up, while Khyvon Grace (141) placed third for the fourth straight season and Parker Bentley (285) added another podium finish.
West Liberty also boasts five nationally ranked wrestlers, led by:
Match Info
Ashland (2-3) at No. 20 West Liberty (9-6, 1-0 MEC)
Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 — 6:30 p.m.
ASRC — West Liberty, 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.
