Record-setting West Liberty University head men’s basketball coach Jim Crutchfield was honored as the eighth recipient of the Wheeling YMCA’s “Light of the Valley” award during an Aug. 13 luncheon at the White Palace in Wheeling Park, attended by hundreds of well-wishers and community leaders.

Crutchfield was introduced at the event by WLU Director of Athletics Jim Watson. Coming off yet another storybook season on the Hilltopper hardwood, his powerhouse squad posted its fourth consecutive 30-win season and rolled all the way to the NCAA Division II national championship game before dropping a heartbreaker to Central Missouri.

A two-time National Coach of the Year, Crutchfield has the highest career winning percentage (272-49, .847) in NCAA men’s basketball history for any coach with 10 or more seasons at NCAA schools.

In addition to claiming its eight national scoring title in the past nine years, his West Liberty team has reeled off five straight conference championships along with an unprecedented four consecutive NCAA Division II Atlantic Region titles.

Former NBA player and Duke University star Chris Duhon was the featured speaker.

Proceeds from the “Light of the Valley” luncheon are used to help fund the organization’s various youth and adult projects in the Wheeling area. For more information on the YMCA and its programs call 304- 242-8086.

To view TV-7 coverage of the event, please click here.