Goebel Advances to Semifinals

The University of Findlay wrestling team wrapped up the first day of the 2015 NCAA Division II National Championship on March 13 in St. Louis, Mo.

Sophomore Nick Goebel, ranked fifth nationally in the 149-pound weight class, earned All-American honors by reaching the semifinals on the first day of competition. Goebel opened the day with an 8-1 win over Saint Cloud State's Larry Bomstad. He then captured a sudden victory decision against 4th-ranked Cameron Throckmorton of Shippensburg by a score of 4-2 to keep his national championship hopes alive. He will wrestle Central Missouri's Frank Cagnina, the top-ranked grappler in the nation at 149 and the defending national champion, for a chance at the finals on Saturday.

Freshman Ryan Skonieczny went 1-2 for the Roughnecks in the 141-pound weight class. He opened Friday with a loss by fall to Nebraska-Kearney's Keith Surber before scoring a 2-1 win over Wheeling Jesuit's Preston Bowshier, who is ranked sixth in the nation. He then suffered a 6-5 loss to Lindenwood's Kyle Webb, who is ranked third nationally in the consolation bracket.

Sophomores Schuyler Phillips and Luke Fleming were also in action on Friday for Findlay, but were eliminated from the national tournament. Phillips went 0-2 in the 125-pound weight class while Fleming posted a 0-2 mark at 285.

The final day of competition will be tomorrow.