West Virginia University wrestling coach Tim Flynn is preparing for the 2025-26 season with a sense of anticipation and clear goals. As the team gets ready for its first official practice, Flynn reflected on last year’s successes and the expectations that come with them.
The Mountaineers finished sixth at the Big 12 Championships and secured a top-20 spot at the NCAA Championships during the 2024-25 season. Fifth-year wrestler Peyton Hall earned third place at nationals, marking a significant achievement for the program.
Flynn, entering his eighth year as head coach, spoke about his approach to leadership and improvement. “I think most things stay the same,” Flynn said. “If you’re not making little adjustments, you’re probably not learning anything. Minor adjustments every year to try to get this system perfect.”
This season’s roster includes several returning athletes and new additions. Redshirt sophomore Ty Watters is back after an injury ended his previous season early. Graduate student Jett Strickenberger aims to repeat his Big 12 title win from 2025, while newcomer Willie McDougald joins after qualifying three times for the NCAA tournament at Oklahoma.
Flynn highlighted Watters’ influence on the team beyond his athletic performance. “I think one of the best things he brings to the table is his attitude every day,” Flynn said about Watters. “He’s a pretty upbeat guy. He’s pretty happy. He wants to be here, wants to lift weights, wants to run. I think when you have someone like that around, it’s infectious.”
Leadership has also emerged from within as redshirt junior Ian Bush steps into a more prominent role following his first trip to the NCAA Championships last season. “Some people are leaders by how they conduct themselves,” Flynn said. “I think Ian Bush has been a leader for a little bit now because he keeps his mouth shut, comes to work every day and has the same effort every day. I think that’s why he has been getting better.”
Competing in the Big 12 Conference remains challenging for West Virginia University wrestling, with two teams finishing in the top ten nationally last year and Oklahoma State leading at third place overall.
“If you’re competing well in the Big 12, you’re usually pretty good nationally,” Flynn said. “The Big 12 is a really difficult conference. I think any time you’re doing well within the conference and placing at the conference [championship], you put yourself in a position to do well at nationals, which is ultimately everyone’s goal.”
Looking ahead, Flynn outlined ambitions for continued progress: “We were a top-20 team the last two years; we want to keep moving up,” he said. “Top 10 would be the next step, hopefully higher. We have a number of kids who can place this year and a couple of kids who can compete for a national championship.
“Keeping them hungry and healthy is a big part of it. I’m excited. We have a good culture now and a good group of kids. It’s a lot of fun, so it makes coaching a little bit easier.”