WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — As West Liberty University begins a new era under first-year head coach Chad Salisbury, the Hilltoppers are placing a renewed emphasis on a phase of the game that Salisbury believes can have an outsized impact on the outcome of football games — special teams.

West Liberty enters the 2026 season with a new group of specialists led by Aidan Grella and Hayden Pack, giving the Hilltoppers options at both kicker and punter as they look to improve field position and eliminate some of the special teams issues that hurt the team a year ago.

Grella will handle the kicking duties while also serving as the team's backup punter. The freshman has already shown plenty of leg strength, bringing an impressive high school résumé to the Hilltop. Grella appeared in 26 high school games and connected on 116 of 123 extra-point attempts while making 14 of 19 field-goal attempts, including a long of 42 yards.

The Hilltoppers also have an experienced option at punter in Haydan Pack, who spent three seasons at Charleston before coming to West Liberty. Pack punted 68 times for 2,390 yards during his collegiate career, averaging 35.1 yards per punt. He had a career-long punt of 54 yards and recorded 22 punts inside the 20-yard line. Pack will also serve as the team's backup kicker.

The Hilltoppers will have Dru Jackson and Wyatt Brady handling long-snapping duties, while Mason Fraley gives West Liberty an option at short snapper.

"Obviously I watched every game last year," Salisbury said. "Special teams had a lot to do with some of the negatives because you know you get a drive and, if you don't get a touchdown, putting three on is big."

Salisbury also pointed to the importance of what happens after the Hilltoppers score. "After you score a touchdown, covering the kick is big, making the extra point," he said. The emphasis extends beyond the kicking and punting units. "I think at times there was loss of momentum on a missed extra point or on a kickoff, not getting down, and that's, we got to fix that," Salisbury said.

For a program looking to establish a new identity in 2026, Salisbury believes those details can make a significant difference. "If we can fix things like that, it gives us a chance to be good on offense and defense and try to turn this program around," he said.

The goal is straightforward: turn special teams into a source of positive plays, protect field position, capitalize on scoring opportunities and prevent the mistakes that can quickly change the momentum of a game. "You could see it would change games last year," Salisbury said. "It was pretty obvious on film."




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.