West Liberty University Athletics

West Liberty University Hall of Famer Branden Hinkle heads into his third season as an assistant wrestling coach under Hilltopper head man Brian Davis.
    Hinkle’s addition to the staff reunited a pair of national champion teammates from West Liberty’s powerhouse wrestling teams of the mid-1990s. Davis won the 1994 NAIA national championship at 177 pounds while Hinkle claimed the 190-pound national title the following year.
    Inducted into the WLU Hall of Fame on September 15, 2012, Hinkle was a rare two-sport champion during his time at West Liberty.
    A three-time NAIA All-America wrestler, Hinkle followed up his 1995 national title with a runner-up finish in 1996. He also excelled on the tennis courts for the Hilltoppers, winning a WVIAC tennis crown in 1995.
    Hinkle continued to pursue his amateur wrestling career after graduation and earned U.S. national freestyle All-America honors before turning his attention to the world of mixed martial arts.
    The former Hilltopper fought all over the world during a lengthy pro career, winning the Korean heavyweight title and the World Extreme Fighting heavyweight crown along with the Reality Super Fighting light-heavy championship. He also worked with and trained several MMA fighters.
    The son of Marsha and the late Jack Hinkle, Branden has two sisters – Stacy and Jennifer. He resides in Steubenville, Ohio.