SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — 

 The West Liberty University wrestling team had a strong showing on the opening day of the 2026 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships Friday at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, with Logan Davis, Khyvon Grace, and Nico Taddy securing All-American honors and advancing to day two of the national tournament.

The trio guaranteed themselves top-eight finishes with key wins throughout the opening sessions and will continue competing Saturday in the placement rounds.

At 125 pounds, Logan Davis battled through a tough bracket to reach the All-American podium. Davis opened the tournament with a 4-3 decision over Eli Kirk of Central Oklahoma in the championship first round. After dropping a quarterfinal match in sudden victory to Shane Corrigan (Wisconsin-Parkside), Davis responded in the consolation bracket with a fall over Devin Gomez (Western Colorado) at 5:44 to secure his All-American finish.

At 141 pounds, Khyvon Grace advanced to the national semifinals with two strong wins. Grace opened the tournament with a 3-0 decision over Colton Hush (Minnesota State) before edging Josh Taylor (Central Oklahoma) 4-3 in the quarterfinals to lock up All-American status and a spot in Saturday's semifinals.

At 157 pounds, Nico Taddy also earned All-American honors after winning two matches on the day. Taddy started with a 2-0 decision over Richie DeFulvio (Millersville) in the opening round. After falling in the quarterfinals to Easton Worachek (Wisconsin-Parkside), Taddy bounced back in the consolation bracket with a 6-4 decision over Griffin Lundeen (Northern State) to secure a place on the podium.

West Liberty also received contributions from several other wrestlers throughout the day.

At 133 pounds, James Armstrong Jr. opened the tournament with a 5-1 decision over Brady Baker (Pitt-Johnstown) before being eliminated later in the consolation bracket.

At 184 pounds, Oliver Byerly picked up an 8-1 decision over Fletcher Rose (Ashland) in the preliminary round before exiting the tournament in the consolation bracket.

At 285 pounds, Parker Bentley earned a 4-0 decision over Nathan Coley (King) in the preliminary round before being eliminated later in the day.

Through the first day of competition, the Hilltoppers have accumulated 21 team points and will return to the mat Saturday with three All-Americans still competing for placement finishes at 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.