#15 Roughnecks Send 5 to Semifinals

The University of Findlay wrestling team, ranked 15th in the nation, completed day one of the NCAA Division II Midwest Super Regional on Feb. 23. The Roughnecks, who are hosting the event, had five individuals advance to the semifinals of the competition on Friday. Overall the Roughnecks have seven wrestlers alive who will look to qualify for the NCAA Division II National Championship tomorrow.

In the 149-pound weight class, junior Josh Wimer advanced to the semifinals with a pair of victories on the first day of competition. Wimer defeated Lake Erie's John Siemasz 4-0 in the first round before claiming a 3-1 win over Coker's Matthew Kieta in the second.

Sophomore James Wimer joined his brother in the semifinals tomorrow by posting a 2-0 record at 157. Wimer, who is ranked tenth in the nation, began the day with a 3-2 win over Limestone's Avery Dinardi before scoring an 11-4 win over Lake Erie's Andrew Lieb in the quarterfinals.

Sophomore Nate Vandermeer reached the finals of the 174-pound weight class with a 2-0 record on Friday by pinning Newberry's Joey Rocca in 2:02 and defeating Indianapolis' Luke Kriech 5-1.

Senior Bradley Metz advanced the semifinals with a 2-0 record at 184. Metz, who is ranked fourth nationally, pinned Newberry's Nick Weldon in 6:41 during the first round and then scored a 5-3 win over North Carolina-Pembroke's Faris Teia by a score of 5-3.

Senior Mimmo Lytle punched his ticket to the semifinals on Saturday by going 1-0 in the 285-pound weight class. Lytle, who is ranked seventh nationally, won his lone match of the day by a score of 7-0 against King's Eldon Valery.

In the consolation brackets, juniors Michael Stewart and Armani Robinson will look to wrestle their way to the championship tomorrow.

Stewart went 2-1 on Friday at 133 while Robinson posted a 1-1 record in the 197-pound weight class.

The second day of competition will begin tomorrow morning.