Climbing the Hill with West Liberty Wrestling: A Chat with Coach Danny Irwin
In this episode of Airey Bros Radio, we go "belly to belly" with Danny Irwin, head wrestling coach at West Liberty University. Coach Irwin shares his journey through the wrestling world, the culture he’s building at West Liberty, and the exciting future for their men’s and women’s wrestling programs. From fostering gratitude on the mat to navigating the rise of women’s wrestling, this conversation is packed with insight, passion, and inspiration. Tune in to hear about their "Climb the Hill" mantra, recruiting stories, and the legacy of wrestling legend Bobby Douglas.
Show Notes:
Show Notes:
- Introduction (0:00): Overview of the Airey Bros mission and Coach Danny Irwin’s achievements.
- West Liberty Wrestling Culture (1:28): Building a team with character and the “Climb the Hill” philosophy.
- Highlights of the 2023 Season (3:59): Recap of early competition success and standout athletes.
- Recruitment Strategy (10:02): The importance of academics, culture, and representation.
- Women's Wrestling Program Launch (27:35): First-year highlights, growth, and future goals.
- The Bobby Douglas Wrestling Complex (23:17): Honoring a legend with a state-of-the-art facility.
- Balancing Academics and Athletics (36:01): Programs that attract diverse and talented recruits.
- Looking Ahead to Nationals (56:01): Key dates and matchups to follow this season.
- Final Thoughts (1:09:12): Coach Irwin’s passion for wrestling and gratitude for the sport.
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