Hampton, Virginia - The University of Findlay wrestling team was on the road on Friday, January 9 for the first day of the 2026 Virginia Duals, an annual tournament hosted at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia. The Roughnecks had a perfect first day, going 2-0 to start the 16-team tournament started. Findlay's first win was a 48-6 drubbing of The Apprentice School, a trade school based in Newport News, Virginia. The team followed that up with its' best win of the year thus far, a 29-16 victory over 11th-ranked Kutztown University in the quarterfinals. Those two victories move the Roughnecks into the semifinals.

Findlay vs Apprentice School (W 48-6)

Findlay opened the night with a technical-fall streak, as #9 Billy Smith set the tone at 125 pounds with a 16-0 shutout. Nate Knowlton followed at 133 with an 18-2 tech fall of his own, and Sawyer Smith kept the momentum rolling by sticking his opponent in just 1:14 at 141.

The Roughnecks continued to pour it on. At 149, Micah Cotrell overwhelmed his opponent for an 18–1 technical fall, and Andrew Parish added another pin at 157, finishing his match in 4:12. Apprentice earned its lone victory at 165, where Owen Cherry secured a fall late in the bout.

Findlay quickly regained control. Zachary Taylor posted an 11-4 decision at 174 before the Roughnecks closed the dual with a trio of emphatic pins. Chase Stein needed only 27 seconds at 184, Ronnie Thomas ended his 197-pound match in 2:14, and heavyweight #10 Giulian Bodiu capped the night with a fall in just 46 seconds.

Findlay vs #11 Kutztown (W 29-16)

Billy Smith again set the tone early at 125 with a dominant 10-0 major decision, and Nate Knowlton followed at 133 by securing a fall at 4:16. Sawyer Smith kept the pin parade going at 141, pinning his opponent in just 2:36. At 149, Micah Cotrell capped the early surge with an 11-1 major, giving Findlay a commanding lead.

Kutztown stormed back in the middle weights, taking four consecutive bouts. John Horton edged Andrew Parish in a tight 10-8 match at 157, and the Golden Bears added back-to-back technical falls at 165 and 174. Cole Casilio then earned an 11-4 decision at 184, tightening the team score and putting pressure on the final two matches.

Findlay responded in what proved to be the critical upper weights. Ronnie Thomas delivered a steady 6-2 decision at 197, halting Kutztown's run and ending the bout as the Bears forfeited at heavyweight.

The Roughnecks are back on the mats tomorrow, first taking on Newberry College. #21 Frostburg State and #10 Glenville State are the two teams in the opposite semifinal.