#16 Rougnecks Go 4-0 in Colorado
Gunnison, Colo. – The University of Findlay wrestling team traveled more than 1,400 miles to participate in the 28th Annual Tracy Borah Duals hosted by Western State Colorado on Saturday, Jan. 6. The Roughencks, ranked no. 16 in the country, finished the day with a perfect 4-0 record as a team. The event featured seven NCAA Division II institutions and one Division I institution. Of those eight competing schools, four are currently ranked in the NCAA Top-25.
The event featured four rounds of dual meets in a round-robin style format.
Round 1: #16 Findlay def New Mexico Highlands (36-12)
The Rougnecks kicked off their day with a dominating performance against NMHU as Findlay wrestlers earned victories in eight of the ten weight classes. Junior Michael Stewart (133), junior Alonzo Turner (165), sophomore Nate Vandermeer (174), and senior Bradley Metz (184) all scored pins to earn the team six points each.
Round 2: #16 Findlay def. #17 Western State (22-12)
Findlay cruised to a win against their only national ranked opponent of the day in Western State Colorado. Stewart, senior Ryan Skonieczny (141), junior Josh Wimer (149), sophomore James Wimer (157), Turner, Metz, and senior Mimmo Lytle (HWT) all scored wins for the Roughnecks. Alonzo Turner, ranked no. 6 in the country at 165 pounds, earned a 10-3 victory over Ryan Pellow who came into the event ranked ninth in the country while Metz was able to score four points for his team, earning a 14-4 major decision.
Round 3: #16 Findlay def. Adams State (24-23)
Trailing 20-0 through the first four bouts of the dual, Findlay then rattled off wins in the five of the next six matchups to inch past Adams State for the win. The Roughnecks trailed by five points heading into the heavyweight bout and Mimmo Lytle delivered for the squad, earning six points by pinning his opponent. James Wimer and Nate Vandermeer also earned pins for the Orange and Black.
Roud 4: #16 Findlay def. Colorado Mesa (30-13)
The Roughnecks ended their trip to Colorado with a convincing win over Colorado Mesa, earning wins in seven of the ten weight classes. Ryan Skonieczny dominated in his bout to earn a 13-4 major decision while Alonzo Turner and Armani Robinson also won by major decision to earn four points, apiece. Mimmo Lytle was the lone Roughenck to win with a pin, taking down his opponent in just over a minute of action.
The Rougnecks are back on the road next Saturday, Jan. 13 when they travel to Kenosha, Wisconsin to participate in the Ranger Duals hosted by Wisconsin-Parkside.