WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – West Liberty University head wrestling coach Danny Irwin has been named Mountain East Conference Co-Coach of the Year, highlighting another successful season for the Hilltoppers, the league office announced.

Irwin shares the honor with Glenville State's Dylan Cottrell, while Glenville State's Nick Johnson was named MEC Wrestler of the Year and Frostburg State's Tanner Halling earned Freshman of the Year honors.

In his seventh season at the helm, Irwin guided West Liberty to the 2026 MEC Wrestling Championship, continuing the program's tradition of excellence. The honor marks the third time Irwin has been named MEC Coach of the Year (2021, 2022, 2026).

Under Irwin's leadership, the Hilltoppers also turned in a strong postseason showing, finishing fourth at the NCAA Division II Super Region III Championships while qualifying six wrestlers for the NCAA Division II National Championships.

West Liberty's success under Irwin has been a consistent theme in the MEC, with the Hilltoppers continuing to compete at the top of the conference year after year. The program has also seen multiple individual award winners in recent seasons, including Ty McGeary, who earned three consecutive MEC Wrestler of the Year honors from 2023-25, and Cole Laya, who claimed the award in 2021 and 2022.

The Hilltoppers have also been well represented among the conference's top freshmen, with past honorees including James Armstrong Jr. (2025), Nico Taddy (2024), and Khyvon Grace (2023).

Johnson, this year's Wrestler of the Year, posted a 30-2 record at 197 pounds for Glenville State, earning MEC and regional titles before finishing as the NCAA Division II national runner-up and securing All-American honors.

Halling, the Freshman of the Year from Frostburg State, went 26-3 at 133 pounds, earning MEC and regional titles along with All-American status following a sixth-place finish at the national championships.

Cottrell helped lead Glenville State to a runner-up finish at the MEC Championships and a Super Region III title, sending six wrestlers to the NCAA 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.