A History of Wrestling at West Virginia University
The West Virginia Mountaineers, representing West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, are a prominent force in collegiate athletics. As a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I, WVU sponsors a wide range of sports, including wrestling. While football often takes center stage, the university's wrestling program boasts a rich history of its own, marked by impressive achievements and dedicated individuals. This article delves into the history of West Virginia University wrestling, exploring its key figures, accomplishments, and place within the broader athletic landscape of the university.
The Mountaineer Athletic Landscape
Before focusing specifically on wrestling, it's essential to understand the context of WVU athletics. Currently, WVU supports seven men's sports, ten women's sports, and one coeducational sport (rifle). Football is the most popular sport at WVU. The West Virginia Mountaineers football team represents West Virginia University in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of college football. West Virginia plays its home games at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium on the campus of West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. With a 787-533-45 record as of the conclusion of the 2024 season, WVU ranks 23rd in victories among NCAA FBS programs. Other sports include men's golf, which was sponsored from 1933 until 1982, and club sports like rugby and cricket, which have seen success in collegiate competitions.
The university's athletic identity is visually represented by the "Flying WV" logo, designed by sports artist John Martin. The official colors, "old gold and blue," were selected in 1890 from the West Virginia state seal. These colors, along with the university's fight songs, "Fight Mountaineers" and "Hail, West Virginia," contribute to the strong sense of tradition and pride associated with WVU athletics. The Mountaineer mascot, selected annually, embodies this spirit, appearing at sporting events in a tailor-made buckskin suit and coonskin hat, complete with a period rifle.
Coach Turnbull and a Legacy of Excellence
The name most synonymous with West Virginia University wrestling is Coach Turnbull. During his remarkable 36-year tenure as head wrestling coach, Turnbull built one of the strongest and most dominating wrestling programs in the United States. He is the winningest coach In West Virginia University history. His teams compiled an impressive record of 265 dual meet wins, ranking him the 7th winningest active coach In Division I wrestling. His leadership produced 42 Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) champions, 26 All-Americans, 7 NCAA finalists , and 3 wrestlers who won five NCAA Division I titles.
Turnbull's impact was recognized early in his career when he received the NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year award. His squads have consistently placed in the top 25 nationally. In 1990, Turnbull was selected as the Eastern Wrestling League's Coach of the Year, a year that also saw West Virginia University capture its first Eastern Mat Poll number-one ranking. In 1992, he was selected to coach the National Wrestling Coaches Association's All-Star Classic. He has been named the EWL's Coach of the Year three times and has won five Eastern Dual Meet Championships from 1990 to 2003.
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Turnbull's contributions to wrestling extend beyond WVU. He is a member of the Wesleyville-Iroquois-Lawrence Park Hall of Fame, the Metro Erie Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, and the Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame. He also served as a board member of the National Wrestling Coaches Association. Coach Turnbull and his wife, Sue, have two children and reside In Morgantown, West Virginia.
Achievements and Highlights
Under Coach Turnbull's guidance, the WVU wrestling program achieved significant milestones:
Individual Champions: The program produced numerous individual champions, including 42 Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) champions, 26 All-Americans, 7 NCAA finalists, and 3 wrestlers who won five NCAA Division I titles.
Team Success: Turnbull's teams consistently ranked among the top programs nationally, with frequent placements in the top 25.
EWL Dominance: WVU captured its first Eastern Mat Poll number-one ranking in 1990 and won five Eastern Dual Meet Championships between 1990 and 2003.
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The Broader WVU Sports Culture
West Virginia University fosters a passionate sports culture, and wrestling, while not as widely followed as football, benefits from this environment.
West Virginia fans passionately support West Virginia University and its athletics teams. West Virginia fans are nationally known for following their Mountaineers to bowl games and games throughout the country. West Virginia games also have received high TV ratings throughout the years. West Virginia fans have also been recognized for their hospitality.
Traditions like the "Let's Go…Mountaineers" cheer and the "WVU First Down" cheer create a unique and energetic atmosphere at athletic events, fostering a sense of community and pride.
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