Owensboro, Ky. | East Lansing, Mich. - The University of Findlay wrestling team split its squad on Saturday, Nov. 8, competing in both a dual meet against Kentucky Wesleyan and the Michigan State Open.
In Owensboro, Findlay cruised to a 37-12 victory over the Panthers, winning eight of ten contested matches. The dual against Kentucky Wesleyan began at 165 pounds, where Gary Nilson set the tone with a first-period pin over Dalen Kimble in just 2:11. Chase Stein followed with a lightning-fast fall in 1:12 at 174, and Donavyn Watts kept the momentum going with a 17-2 technical fall at 184. A pair of forfeits at the heavier weights gave the Panthers their only points of the bout.
From there, the Roughnecks poured it on. Billy Smith earned a 14-3 major decision at 133 pounds, Ashton Anderson delivered a 15-0 technical fall in just 1:24 at 141, and Micah Cotrell picked up a forfeit win at 149. Diego Chavez closed out the scoring with an 18-3 tech fall at 157, sealing the 37-12 team victory. In extra matches, Nilson and Stein each added another pin, showcasing the depth and dominance of the lineup.
Meanwhile, at the Michigan State Open, Findlay's younger wrestlers competed in the Freshman/Sophomore division against top-tier talent. Wyatt Nemitz and Sawyer Smith each picked up wins at 133 pounds, with Nemitz earning a major decision over Ben Fuller of Edinboro and Smith scoring a tech fall over Wyatt Dusseau-Garno of Grand Valley State.
Zachary Taylor stood out at 174 pounds, collecting two decision victories, including a 7-3 win over Josh Lange of Davidson. Scott Speakman also earned a win at 157 pounds, defeating Braylenn Aulbach of GVSU.
The Roughnecks are back in action on Saturday, Nov. 15 when they will play host to the Findlay Open.
