Head Coach Ben Howlett

After building a powerhouse basketball program at West Liberty University, Head Coach Ben Howlett is stepping down to take the head coaching position at Division I Indiana University, Indianapolis.

Howlett leaves behind a remarkable legacy. As head coach, he compiled an astounding 217-37 record, good for a .854 career winning percentage, one of the best in all of college basketball during his tenure. His time at the helm of the Hilltoppers included eight consecutive Mountain East Conference (MEC) titles, multiple 30+ win seasons, and three trips to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.

His Hilltoppers reached the pinnacle of Division II basketball in 2023, advancing to the national championship game before falling to the Nova Southeastern Sharks in a high-scoring 111-101 battle.

Howlett’s connection to West Liberty runs deep. He first made his mark as a standout player for the Hilltoppers from 2005 to 2009. Just three years after graduating, he returned to campus as an assistant coach under Jim Crutchfield. In 2017, Howlett took over the program and never looked back.

Now, he begins a new chapter in his life, where he’ll look to bring his fast-paced style and winning pedigree to Division I level.

“West Liberty will always be home,” Howlett said in a statement. “I’m proud of what we built here, and I’m incredibly thankful to all the players, coaches, and fans who made this journey so special.”

As most local fans know, Ben is the son of Paul and Margo Howlett who both have deep family roots in both Sistersville and New Martinsville. Not only will Ben and his young family pack up their belongings and memories to relocate, but so do Ben’s parents. Margo shared a heartfelt post on Facebook recalling one of her favorite memories during their journey supporting their son and the Hilltoppers. “One year, on New Year’s Eve, we played a team near Washington, DC… Malik McKinney’s (West Lib player) parents invited us to their house for a New Year’s Eve party after the win… one of my all-time favorite memories is everyone at the party (30+ people) formed a circle, held hands, as they prayed and thanked God for ‘The Mighty Topper Win!'”

The Hilltopper community now faces the task of replacing one of the most successful coaches in program history, but Ben Howlett’s legacy at West Liberty is firmly cemented.

Locally, Kayden Myers, a standout senior from Paden City High School, is set to cap off his high school football career with appearances in not one, but two elite All-Star games this postseason. Myers was recently selected to participate in the BACF Battle Against Cystic Fibrosis All-Star Game, which will take place on June 6, 2025, at Bill Hanlin Stadium in St. Marys. The annual game features all stars from West Virginia and Ohio. His postseason accolades don’t stop there. Myers was also named to the roster for the OVAC All-Star Football Game, scheduled for July 19 at Wheeling Island Stadium in Wheeling, West Virginia. The OVAC game, one of the region’s most anticipated summer football events, features premier graduating seniors from Ohio and West Virginia schools.

Also chosen for post season accolades played on June 2 was the OVAC All Star Softball Game. Athletes Kaylee Hagan from River for the Ohio squad, Mallory McDiffitt from Magnolia and Maddie Campbell from Valley for the WV squad.

Finally, Tyler Consolidated is set to host a 15-team volleyball tournament on June 7, 2025 set to start at 9:00 AM in the gymnasium at TCHS. Teams from the valley will compete in the day-long tournament setting up the first pre-season outings for local squads as they prepare for the 2025 season.