West Liberty University

• Location: West Liberty, WV
• Nickname: Hilltoppers
• Conference: Mountain East Conference 2014-present; West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference -2013
• Ballpark:

NAIA College World Series title in 1964

West Liberty University was known as West Liberty State Normal School until 1931, West Liberty State Teachers College until 1943, and West Liberty State College until 2009. The school has produced four major league players through 2007, of whom three had substantial careers. The most famous is Joe Niekro. The school was a charter member of the WVIAC in 1924.

Notable Alumni

• Chris Ciatti, minor league catcher
• Gene Freese, infielder
• Nick Fuscardo, college coach
• Clarence Garrett, pitcher
• Yale Hughes, minor league pitcher and manager
• Jim LeMasters, minor league pitcher
• Joe Niekro, pitcher
• Ray Searage, pitcher
• Frank Ujcich, minor league pitcher
• RJ Vukovich, minor league infielder
• Jeff Wendorf, college coach
• George Yanchak, college coach

Coaches

• Albert Blatnik
• George Kovalick, 1962-1964
• Tom Meikle, 1965-1967
• Dave Waples, 1968-1969
• Charlie Campanizzi, 1970-1971
• James Watson, 1972-1982
• Bo McConnaughy 1983-2012
• Eric Burkle, 2013-present

Assistant Coaches

• George Yanchak