Indianapolis, Ind. — The University of Findlay wrestling team opened competition Saturday, Dec. 13 at the 46th Annual Midwest Classic, hosted by the University of Indianapolis. Several Roughnecks finished the first day of the tournament with winning records, led by a strong performance in the 125-pound bracket.

At 125 pounds, Billy Smith, ranked No. 10 nationally, posted a perfect 3-0 record to advance in the championship bracket. Smith opened with a 10-6 decision over Davenport's Adam Concepcion and followed with a fall in 2:21 against Western Colorado's Roberto Estrada. In the third round, Smith secured a 5-2 decision over Ashland's Luke Acuna, the No. 11 ranked wrestler in the country.

In the 141-pound weight class, Ashton Anderson finished the day with a 3-2 record. Anderson began his tournament with a technical fall over Shorter's Brayden Gibson. After dropping a narrow 3-2 decision in the second round, he bounced back in the consolation bracket with another technical fall over Newberry's Cole McCullough and a 5-3 decision over Ouachita Baptist's Iziah Tusler. His run concluded with an injury default loss in the fourth consolation round.

Heavyweight Giulian Bodiu, ranked No. 11 nationally, ended the day with a 2-1 record. After receiving a first-round bye, Bodiu dominated UNC Pembroke's Nigel Williams with a 19-1 technical fall. Although he fell to Tiffin's No. 12 ranked Jake Powell in the third round, Bodiu responded quickly in the consolation bracket, pinning Northern State's Ayden Viox in just 48 seconds.

Findlay will return to action Sunday with Smith and Bodiu still in contention for top finishes.