Goebel, White Win Regional Titles

The University of Findlay wrestling program, ranked 11th nationally, had six individuals qualify for the 2017 NCAA Division II National Championship as they completed the Super Regional on Feb. 25 in Indianapolis, Ind. As a team, the Roughnecks took third place with 89 points.

Seniors Nick Goebel and Joey White led the Roughnecks as they each brought home a regional title in their respective weight classes. Goebel was victorious in the 149-pound weight class while White won the 157-pound weight bracket.

Goebel, who is the top-ranked wrestler in the nation at 149, advanced to the finals with a 6-0 win over fifth-ranked Michael Screptock of Tiffin. He then took down second-ranked Nick Boggs of Lake Erie in the finals by a score of 5-1 to punch his ticket to the national championship.

White, who is ranked seventh nationally at 157, defeated North Carolina-Pembroke's Eric Milks in the semifinals by a score of 3-1 and then won in sudden victory (6-4) during the finals against tenth-ranked Heath Lange of Indianapolis to secure a spot at the national championship.

Junior Bradley Metz, who is ranked fourth nationally, took home third place honors at 174 to reach the national championship by going 4-1 at the event. He was defeated in the semifinals before winning 2-0 over Newberry's Huston Evans, who is ranked fifth nationally, in the third place match.

Sophomore Alonzo Turner went 5-1 at 165 and finished in third place to secure a spot at the national championship. Turner worked his way through the consolation bracket and eventually won by major decision (12-4) over Newberry's Nick Young in the third place match.

Junior Mimmo Lytle also secured a spot at the national championship with a third place finish in the 285-pound weight class. Lytle fell in the semifinals and then won two matches in the consolation to take third place. He finished the event with a 3-1 record.

Sophomore Devin Rogers also reached the national championship by taking fourth place in the 133-pound weight class. Rogers finished the event with a 4-2 record.

The 2017 NCAA Division II National Championship will take place on March 10-11 in Birmingham, Ala.