Hinkle replaces former assistant Mitch Smith, who accepted the head coaching position at Alderson-Broaddus.

The addition of Hinkle to the staff reunites a pair of national champion teammates from West Liberty's powerhouse wrestling teams of the mid-1990s. Davis was the 1994 NAIA national champion at 177 pounds while Hinkle claimed the 190-pound national title the following year.

Hinkle, who was inducted into the WLU Hall of Fame last month, was a rare two-sport champion during his time at West Liberty and went on to carve out a professional career in a third sport.

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. Branden resides in Steubenville, Ohio. 

        The Hilltoppers open the 2012-13 season on Nov. 10 when they travel to Alliance, Ohio to compete in the Mount Union Invitational.