MANHEIM, Pa. – West Liberty University sophomore Cole Laya has been honored as an NCAA Division II All-American for the second straight year by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA).

The NWCA traditionally recognized the top eight placers in each weight class at the NCAA nationals as All-Americans but that option went out the window when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the NCAA to cancel the tournament even as wrestlers were wrapping their final practice session in Sioux Falls, S.D.

The coaches’ organization still felt it was appropriate to identify a roster of All-Americans for the 2020 season and weighed a variety of options while polling the membership. Based on each wrestler’s overall body of work through the super-regional tournaments, the NWCA selected 10 student-athletes from each of the 10 weight classes for All-America honors.

“We’re happy to make the best of an incredibly unfortunate situation,” NWCA Division II President Jason Warthan said. “Although it’s not the same as having a national tournament, we felt these individuals should be recognized for their amazing results throughout the regular season and at the super-regional championships. Congratulations to all of our 2020 All-Americans and national qualifiers.”

A returning All-American who placed third at 125 pounds as a true freshman a year ago, Laya battled through injury for much of the season but still posted an impressive 14-2 record with several impressive victories.

“Obviously, everybody wants to compete for All-America honors on the national stage,” head coach Danny Irwin said, “but when that possibility is taken away, being voted in by a coaches’ committee based on your body of work through the season has to be the next best thing.”