Manheim, Pa. - The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) released its latest rankings on Thursday, Jan. 22. The University of Findlay wrestling team, currently sitting just outside the top 25, features three athletes ranked nationally in the top 15 of their respective weight classes.

Ranked No. 10 at 125 pounds, senior Billy Smith leads the Roughnecks with a 25-5 record. His dominant season includes three pins, three tech falls, and four major decisions. Smith's signature win came on Nov. 1 in the Pioneer Open semifinals, where he earned a 9-3 decision over Braydon Mitchell (Emmanuel), currently ranked No. 11. Smith also holds a strong 6-1 record against Super Region III opponents.

Graduate senior Gary Nilson has proven to be a major threat despite limited action, debuting at No. 11 nationally at 165 pounds. Nilson is 9-1 on the season with two pins and a major decision. His standout performance came during his title run at the Findlay Open on Nov. 15, where he defeated current No. 4 Sam Richardson in a 4-1 sudden victory. Unbeaten (2-0) against Super Region III competition, Nilson is currently the second-highest ranked wrestler in the region, positioning him well for the upcoming regional tournament.

Finally, senior Giulian Bodiu, a mainstay in the national polls all season, remains at No. 10 in the heavyweight division. Bodiu has compiled a 24-7 record and leads the team with 11 pins. His highlight victory came in the Findlay Open quarterfinals, where he defeated Tiffin's Jake Powell, currently ranked No. 6, by a 12-5 decision. Bodiu will be forced to navigate one of the toughest weights in the nation in a month, as Super Region III currently features five of the top 10 heavyweights in the country.

The Rougnecks will wrestle Davenport on Saturday, Jan. 24 and, because of a postponed dual with Ashland that was set for Sunday, will next be on the mat at the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Championship in Owensboro, Kentucky on Jan. 31.