Philippi, W. Va – Alderson-Broaddus College and Athletic Director Dennis Creehan are pleased to announced the hiring of Mitch Smith as the first Head Coach of the new A-B Wrestling Team that will begin Division II competition during the 2013-14 season.  

"We are very excited about our new wrestling program and more importantly, we are very excited to have Mitch Smith as our leader when we begin,” said Mr. Creehan.   “While many other colleges have dropped wrestling, we see Alderson-Broaddus as a home for wrestlers who would like to continue their careers beyond high school.  Mitch has done an outstanding job with the West Liberty program and we believe he is the right man to begin and lead our program."

Smith comes to Philippi after a two year stint as the Assistant Wrestling Coach at West Liberty University. 

“I want to thank President Richard Creehan, Athletic Director Dennis Creehan and all the members of the selection committee for giving me this great opportunity.  I'm excited to start a program from the ground up and look forward to getting Alderson-Broaddus College nationally recognized as an up-and-coming wrestling powerhouse. I look forward to having the right student athletes come to Alderson-Broaddus College and am excited about the future of the wrestling program.”

During his time with the Hilltoppers he helped the program to a 17th place national finish in both 2011 and 2012, while producing three All-Americans and seven national qualifiers.  In addition to those honors, eight Hilltopper Wrestlers earned Academic All-American status during his tenure. 

Prior to his coaching career, Smith was a highly decorated high school and collegiate wrestler.  While at Ripley H.S., he compiled a 190-3 record on his way to winning three Class AAA State Wrestling Championships and earning seven National High School Wrestling All-American Honors.  Following his high school career, Smith went on to be a two time NCAA All American at West Liberty University finishing 2nd and 4th at the NCAA D2 National Tournament.  

For more information on the new Alderson-Broaddus Battler Wrestling program, go to www.gobattlers.com