8 Roughnecks Advance at Regional

The University of Findlay wrestling team had four individuals advance to the semifinals as they wrapped up the opening day of the NCAA DII Super Regional on Feb. 24 in Indianapolis, Ind. Overall, the Roughnecks have eight individuals moving on to the second day of competition.

Senior Nick Goebel, the top-ranked wrestler in the nation at 149, reached the semifinals with a technical fall victory over Shorter's James Corasaniti. He will now prepare to battle fifth-ranked Michael Screptock of Tiffin tomorrow for the right to compete for a regional title.

Senior Joey White, the seventh-ranked wrestler in the nation at 157, claimed a 3-2 win over Tiffin's Samphanah Viengmany to reach the semifinals. He is scheduled to wrestle North Carolina-Pembroke's Eric Milks tomorrow.

Junior Bradley Metz, who is ranked fourth nationally in the 174-pound weight class, reached the semifinals by claiming a major decision, 11-2 victory over Lake Erie's Brendan Winning in the first round before beating Joey Mammolenti of King by a score of 6-2 in the second round. He will face North Carolina-Pembroke's Blaze Shade, who is ranked second nationally, for the right to compete for a regional championship.

Junior Mimmo Lytle was Findlay's fourth wrestler to reach the semifinals. He did so by winning 2-1 against Belmont-Abbey's Chass Delgado. He is now scheduled to wrestle Indianapolis' Dylan Faulkenberg, who is ranked ninth nationally, for the right to compete for the regional title at 285.

Junior Schuyler Phillips, and sophomores Devin Rogers, Josh Wimer and Alonzo Turner are all still alive in the consolation bracket as well. Phillips went 1-1 at 125, Rogers was 1-1 at 133, Wimer was 2-1 at 141 and Turner was 2-1 at 165.

The final day of competition takes place tomorrow. The top four wrestlers in each weight class at the end of the day will punch their ticket to the 2017 NCAA Division II National Championship.