Allendale, Mich. — The University of Findlay wrestling team faced a gauntlet of nationally ranked opponents at the 2025 Laker Duals, taking on No. 21 Grand Valley State, No. 10 Glenville State and No. 9 St. Cloud State on Friday, Nov. 21. The Roughnecks dropped all three duals, falling 23-14 to Grand Valley State, 30-17 to Glenville State and 39-7 to St. Cloud State, but several wrestlers delivered solid performances.

At 125 pounds, Billy Smith, ranked No. 10 in the country at his weight, went 3-0 on the day. He opened with a 5-1 decision over Orion Wilson of Grand Valley State, followed with a dominant 15-0 technical fall against Bryce Nichols of Glenville State and closed with a 4-2 decision over Benjamin Aranda of St. Cloud State.

Heavyweight Giulian Bodiu, ranked 11th in the country, also finished undefeated, earning a 7-0 decision against Grand Valley State's Leyton Detter, a forfeit win over Glenville State and an 11-0 major decision against St. Cloud State's Jadon Mims.

Gary Nilson (165) added a 5-2 decision over Caden Jacobs of Grand Valley State, while Nate Knowlton, ranked No. 15 at 133 pounds, and Zachary Taylor (174) each picked up wins against Glenville State opponents. Knowlton's GSU opponent, Hunter Ross, is the 13th-ranked wrestler in DII at 133 pounds and was Findlay's lone win against a ranked opponent on the day.

Findlay is back on the mats on Thursday, Dec. 4 with a home dual against Thomas More.