Troy Bell Named First Head Coach for West Liberty Women’s Wrestling Program
West Liberty, W.Va. – The West Liberty University athletics department and the women’s wrestling program will check off another milestone in their program’s short history since its addition in September. Interim athletic director, Brad Forshey, and director of wrestling, Danny Irwin, made the announcement introducing Troy Bell as the program’s first head coach on Tuesday morning inside the Boyle Conference Center Room.
“West Liberty University wrestling is rich in history and tradition,” stated Forshey. “As we embark on the next chapter with the addition of women’s wrestling, we needed a leader that would embrace the passion and standard needed to lead this program. One person checked every box and we’re excited to announce Troy Bell as the first head coach in WLU women’s wrestling history. Coach Bell brings a wealth of experience in the sport as well as a broad palate of intangibles that will guide the program into the next phases. Welcome to the Hilltopper family Coach Bell.”
Bell most recently served as the assistant women’s wrestling coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Mount Olive from 2022-24. During his two years with the Trojans the team combined for a 16-7 dual record with ten national qualifiers, three All-Americans and ten Scholar All-Americans. This past March the UMO program notched a ninth place team finish at the NCWWC National Championships.
“I am excited to work with Coach Bell to continue making West Liberty a destination for all wrestlers across the country!” exclaimed Irwin. “He has such a strong desire to serve student-athletes along with a work ethic that will help raise the bar on the Hilltop. You pair that with the leadership experience he has in the most extreme conditions, and we couldn’t have brought in a better person to our family!” Bell served 26 years in the United States Marine Corps, … more at … NWCAonline.com/NWCA-Troy-bell-named-head-coach-for-west-liberty-womens-wrestling
Campbell’s Tales from the Creek | Jerry Hartman
Hall of Fame wrestler and coach reflects
Jerry Hartman arrived in Buies Creek in 1979 as a sophomore transfer in the Campbell University wrestling program.
Little did he know that two years later, he would be leading that same team as head coach – while still an undergraduate.
Campbell started its wrestling team in the 1960s and was guided by Gerald Brown, Ike Sherlock, and PJ Smith to national recognition during the NAIA era.
As the team transitioned to NCAA Division I, a native of Illinois, by way of UCF, would lay the foundation of a program that now ranks among the nation’s best.
In the next installment of Tales from the Creek, Stan Cole talks with Jerry Hartman about his path from student-athlete to head coach in just three years and his journey that led to a more than four-decade long association with the wrestling program and induction into the Campbell Athletics Hall of Fame. … more at … GOcamels.com/Tales-from-the-creek-jerry-hartman
Panthers announce that Women’s Wrestling will be an intercollegiate sport starting next school year
Women’s Wrestling will become the 19th intercollegiate sport at Sacramento City College during the 2024-2025 school year. In year two of its “Emerging Sport Status” in the 3C2A, Women’s Wrestling has grown to 13 intercollegiate programs throughout the state, with six residing in Northern California. Sac City will join San Joaquin Delta College, Fresno City College, Lassen College, Skyline College, and College of the Redwoods as the intercollegiate programs that make up the BIG 8 Conference. Santa Rosa Junior College will continue to compete in the BIG 8 as a club program.
After the announcement, Sacramento City College Athletic Director, Steve Hanson had this to say: “We are happy to announce that Women’s Wrestling will become the 19th intercollegiate sport for Sacramento City College. Women’s wrestling is a growing sport and we look forward to providing an excellent environment for women’s wrestlers to achieve both academically and athletically. Our track record of academic and athletic over-achievement is well known and we look forward to providing these same opportunities to a new group of student-athletes. In addition, we are pleased to announce that our renowned Head Men’s Wrestling Coach, Marques Gales, will continue to serve as our Head Women’s Wrestling Coach.”
Sacramento City College President, Albert Garcia said, “Women’s wrestling is a growing collegiate sport, and it’s wonderful that SCC is leading the way in offering a team that will provide women both opportunity and empowerment.”
Marques Gales is equally as excited about Women’s Wrestling being added as an Intercollegiate sport next year. … more at … SCCpanthers.prestosports.com/general/2023-24/releases/
TDR blog
After 20 seasons of publicizing wrestling The TakeDown Report’s (TDR) focus has changed to the collecting of college coaching records from North America since 1903. We will continue to recognize and reward successful wrestlers in eastern North Carolina (east of Raleigh & Fayetteville), assist with schools in starting or re-starting a team and this blog. Join us on our FaceBook Page – “The TakeDown Report” for photos and news. Please send results, stories, links and news to pass along. E-mail us at takedownreport@gmail.com
Martin Fleming, Editor
Takedown Report
Takedown Report 