Photo Provided West Liberty University head men’s wrestling coach Danny Irwin, left, is shown during his run last Saturday to help raise funds for the new Coach Bobby Douglas Wrestling Complex.

WEST LIBERTY — This past Saturday, the West Liberty University wrestling program took its motto — Never Stop Climbing — to a whole new level. Head Coach Danny Irwin, joined by staff members and supporters, completed a marathon run to raise funds for the new Coach Bobby Douglas Wrestling Complex, a project designed to honor a trailblazer and elevate the Hilltopper wrestling programs for generations to come.

The group began their journey at St. Clairsville High School, where they logged the first three miles on the track before setting out toward the West Liberty campus — a 27.6-mile route that tested their endurance, resolve, and purpose.

“Running Saturday was an incredible experience,” said Coach Irwin. “It challenged me in ways I hadn’t yet been challenged in life. However, nothing compares to the challenges Coach Douglas faced in life to achieve the things that he did. He was one of the original trailblazers in sports history — being the first at almost every stop along his way!”

Irwin was joined by Coach Ridge Kidder, Coach Dakoda Rodgers and Dave Kozusnik, who helped train Coach Irwin in preparation for the marathon. Together, the group embodied the grit and unity that have long defined West Liberty Wrestling.

“We were able to raise thousands of dollars during the last several weeks for this run, which is important,” Irwin added. “However, the biggest goal is bringing awareness to this project to honor an icon in the sport and in the Ohio Valley. I believe this is the most important story that needs to be shared in wrestling at this time. We are rallying more people to the cause each week.”

The marathon served as both a symbolic and tangible step toward the completion of the Coach Bobby Douglas Wrestling Complex, a facility that will provide state-of-the-art training space for the men’s and women’s programs. The project aims to honor the pioneering career of Coach Bobby Douglas, a name synonymous with excellence and history in the sport.

Douglas’ journey began right here in the Ohio Valley, where he became the first Black Ohio High School State Champion while wrestling for Bridgeport High School. He went on to capture an NAIA National Championship at 130 pounds for West Liberty before breaking further ground as the first Black athlete inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1987.

His legacy spans far beyond the Hilltop, with hall of fame honors from nearly every corner of the wrestling world — including West Liberty University, the NAIA, the National Association of Intercollegiate Sports, the Arizona Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Ohio Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Iowa (Glen Brand) Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Lou Holtz Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame, and the OVAC Hall of Fame.

Women’s Wrestling Head Coach Troy Bell praised Irwin’s example and the leadership culture surrounding the project.

“Leadership is always active — it never stops — and embodies one’s actions,” Bell said. “Coach Irwin demonstrates the intangible leadership traits daily that few can emulate. I have been around a lot of great leaders in my Marine Corps career, and Coach Irwin fits the mold of Marine leaders that I have worked with. I am proud to be a part of the family culture on the Hilltop.”

The Never Stop Climbing campaign is more than a fundraising effort — it’s a movement to celebrate a legacy and continue the climb toward greatness. Sponsorship opportunities are available for the overall complex project, inviting alumni, fans, and community members to take part in honoring a true legend and supporting the next generation of Hilltopper wrestlers. A timeline display of his upbringing through his days as one of the best coaches is planned along with getting stories from his friends, colleagues and athletes that people will be able to access for years to come!

“Coach Douglas paved the way for so many,” Irwin said. “Now it’s our turn to keep building on that foundation — to create something that reflects who he is and what he stands for!”