WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — For John Wolosinczuk, his time at West Liberty was about much more than basketball.

From 2006-11, Wolosinczuk developed into one of the most accomplished players in Hilltopper men's basketball history while earning degrees in Business Administration and Business Information Systems. More than a decade after his playing career ended, the relationships, experiences and memories he made on the Hilltop remain just as meaningful.

"To me, being an alumnus of West Lib means that I'll always have a home away from home," Wolosinczuk said. "Any time I have the opportunity to come back and support a program that provided me with relationships, experiences, and countless memories, it's something I'm proud of."

Wolosinczuk left his mark throughout the West Liberty record book. He remains the program's all-time leader in blocked shots with 217 and ranks 22nd in career scoring with 1,523 points. He also pulled down 855 rebounds and knocked down 242 3-point field goals.

That combination of perimeter shooting and defensive presence put Wolosinczuk in rare company. He is one of only a handful of NCAA Division II players to combine at least 200 career 3-point field goals with 200 blocked shots.

His career also coincided with one of the most successful stretches in Hilltopper basketball history.

Wolosinczuk helped lead West Liberty to NCAA Tournament appearances in 2010 and 2011, with the 2011 team making program history by becoming the first Hilltopper squad to advance to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.

The 2010-11 season proved to be particularly memorable.

The Hilltoppers opened the season Nov. 14, 2010, with a 154-48 victory over Lock Haven, a game that Wolosinczuk still remembers as one of his favorite moments on the Hilltop.

West Liberty continued its historic run, winning its first 33 games of the season and advancing to the NCAA Division II Final Four. The Hilltoppers' undefeated season finally came to an end against BYU-Hawaii, 110-101.

"I remember the undefeated run to the Final Four in 2011," Wolosinczuk said. "Winning an actual game by 100+ points."

West Liberty also captured West Virginia Conference championships in both 2010 and 2011. Wolosinczuk saved one of his finest individual performances for the biggest stage of the 2011 WVIAC Tournament, earning tournament MVP honors after scoring 20 points and grabbing 25 rebounds in the championship-game victory over West Virginia State.

The success did not come without challenges.

Wolosinczuk credits former head coach Jim Crutchfield and assistant coach Eric Bovaird with having a profound influence on his development, both on and off the court. Redshirting his first year was difficult, he said, but the standards set by the coaching staff helped shape the player and person he would become.

"Coach Crutchfield and Coach Bovaird, absolutely," Wolosinczuk said when asked about his most influential coaches. "Redshirting my first year here was tough. They were tough on not just me, but all of us. They expected a certain level, and they pushed us to give our absolute best every time."

He also appreciated the balance between accountability and opportunity.

"They put us in positions to succeed, but they also held us accountable and pushed us outside of our comfort zones," Wolosinczuk said. "Looking back, a lot of what I learned from them went far beyond basketball, and those lessons have stuck with me long after my playing days. I'm thankful for the impact they had on me, both as a player and as a person."

Wolosinczuk's lessons from the Hilltop continue to influence the advice he offers today's students and student-athletes.

"Cherish every moment while you can," he said. "Enjoy the ups, and learn from the downs. Embrace every opportunity, and make memories along the way."

Today, Wolosinczuk is a data analyst for Shearer's Snack Foods, putting his West Liberty education to work in a career away from the basketball court. Yet his connection to the Hilltopper program remains strong.

For Wolosinczuk, being a West Liberty alumnus means having a place he can always return to — and a collection of memories that will always feel like home. Q & A with John Wolosinczuk
Sport you played at West Liberty:
Men's Basketball
What did you study at West Liberty?
Business Administration and Business Information Systems
What years did you attend West Liberty?
2006-11
What are you doing now?
"I'm currently a Data Analyst for Shearer's Snack Foods."
What is your favorite memory of West Liberty?
"Undefeated run to the Final Four in 2011. Winning an actual game by 100+ points."
That 100-point victory came in the 2010-11 season opener on Nov. 14, 2010, when the Hilltoppers defeated Lock Haven, 154-48. West Liberty went on to win its first 33 games of the season before falling to BYU-Hawaii, 110-101, in the NCAA Division II Final Four.
What advice would you give to current student-athletes or students?
"Cherish every moment while you can. Enjoy the ups, and learn from the downs. Embrace every opportunity, and make memories along the way."
What does it mean to you to be a West Liberty alumnus?
"To me, being an alumnus of West Lib means that I'll always have a home away from home. Any time I have the opportunity to come back and support a program that provided me with relationships, experiences, and countless memories, it's something I'm proud of."
Who were the most influential coaches or teammates during your time at West Liberty?
"Coach Crutchfield and Coach Bovaird, absolutely. Redshirting my first year here was tough. They were tough on not just me, but all of us. They expected a certain level, and they pushed us to give our absolute best every time.
"They put us in positions to succeed, but they also held us accountable and pushed us outside of our comfort zones. Looking back, a lot of what I learned from them went far beyond basketball, and those lessons have stuck with me long after my playing days. I'm thankful for the impact they had on me, both as a player and as a person."
 


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.