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Jim Crutchfield's accomplishments as head coach of West Liberty University's men's basketball program are the stuff of legend. Ben Howlett's resume as his protege quickly is nearing legendary status as well.
When Crutchfield left West Liberty following the 2016 season and headed to Florida's Nova Southeastern, Howlett stepped in and didn't miss a beat. And now, six years later, the two programs are set to meet at 3 p.m. today for NCAA Division II college basketball supremacy.
"I'm happy for Coach Crutchfield and I'm sure he's happy for us, but Saturday's game isn't about (us); it's about West Liberty and Nova Southeastern. We both came here with one goal in mind -- to win a championship. … That's the only thing that matters," Howlett said.
He's right -- but the storyline of a teacher and a student coaching against each other in the title game is compelling. Local sports fans couldn't have asked for a better ending. For us, the verdict is simple: Let's go, Hilltoppers!