Roughnecks Compete in First Day of Nationals

Cedar Rapids, IA – The University of Findlay had four Roughnecks competing in the NCAA Division II National Championships in wrestling on Friday, March 9.

Bradley Metz came in ranked #4 in the 184 pound division for the Roughnecks and was victorious in the first round, defeating the #10 ranked Tony Vezzetti from Notre Dame in a 10-0 major decision.

In the second round, Metz dropped the match to JaVaughn Perkins (Colorado St.-Pueblo) in a 5-2 decision.

Metz will face Tyree Overton from St. Cloud State tomorrow in the consolation side of the bracket.

Representing the heavyweight division was Mimmo Lytle, who defeated #9 ranked Lawrence Phillips from St. Cloud in a 5-0 decision.

Lytle took a loss in the second round to #1 nationally ranked Kameron Teacher (Notre Dame-OH) by way of a 6-0 decision.

Tomorrow, Lytle will start off the day wrestling Caleb Cotter from Central Oklahoma.

Competing in the 149 weight class for the Roughnecks was senior Josh Wimer, who lost the first match to a #8 ranked Damian Penichet from Upper Iowa in a major decision (12-2).

Wimer was eliminated from nationals during the second match by fall (1:57) to Reis Humphrey from N.M. Highlands.

Nate Vandermeer represented Findlay in the 174 pound division and lost the first round matchup to #4 ranked Zach Johnston from Minnesota State in a 9-3 decision.

Vandermeer was later eliminated by Alderson Broaddus' Gino Sita by a 8-6 decision.

Wrestling will begin at 10:00 AM tomorrow, March 10.