Listen Here
By Dominic Bennett and Pulse Staff
bennettd1@findlay.edu
The University of Findlay will host the NCAA Super Region III tournament Feb. 28, a big honor to wrap up a big season for the Oiler Roughnecks. One of the most recent accomplishments came after senior heavyweight Giulian Bodiu broke a record Feb. 13 when he pinned Lake Erie’s Tyler Shellenbarger for his 16th pin of the season. The single-season pin record of 15 had been held by Paul Perrine since 1992.
While the team’s record stands at .500 with a third place finish at the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) Wrestling Championships, individual performances like grad student Ashton Anderson have been stellar.
“I know that I have won before I walk out on the mat,” Anderson said.
That mindset has helped drive the Roughnecks during one of the most successful stretches of their season in the month of January.
On Jan. 22 the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) placed three Oilers in the top 15 of the country in their weight classes: Billy Smith (125), Gary Nilson (165) , and Bodiu.
With multiple individual champions, conference honors and key performances in January, Findlay has established itself as a strong contender late in the season. While the team fell short of a conference championship, the performance served as an important measuring stick as the postseason approaches for the University of Findlay Athletics. The recent success reflects both veteran leadership and consistent effort across the lineup. Anderson, a senior, returned from injury late in the season and immediately made an impact his first match back, both on the mat and in the locker room.
“I think my return has impacted us in a positive way,” Anderson said. “Being a guy that’s been here for a while provides some of the younger guys with a little bit of comfort or confidence.”
Anderson’s championship at the G-MAC tournament added valuable team points and reinforced his role as a leader during a crucial stretch. He said the tournament also provided important preparation for the challenges ahead.
“I’m grateful I was able to compete and put up some team points for us at conference,” Anderson said. “Even though we came up short of a team title, it was good preparation for regionals coming up.”
Findlay’s depth has also been a major factor in the team’s success. Sophomore Micah Cottrell, another key contributor, earned Great Midwest Athlete of the Week honors earlier this season following a strong performance at the Virginia Duals, according to University of Findlay Athletics. The recognition highlighted the consistency required to compete at a high level throughout the season.
“I think it shows that I’m a hard worker,” Cottrell said. “It’s not easy to get good at this sport. You have to work hard day after day.”
Cottrell gave credit to the coaching staff for creating an environment that supports both athletic and academic success, which he said played a large role in his decision to wrestle at Findlay.
“Coach Nelson made me feel like more than just a recruit,” Cottrell said. “It felt personal, like he genuinely cared about me as a person.”
That support extends beyond competition. Cottrell said balancing academics with wrestling can be demanding, but the team’s structure helps keep athletes on track.
“I try to get my homework done a couple weeks in advance,” he said. “We also have team study tables, which helps a lot.”
Emotion management has also been key for Findlay wrestlers, particularly in high-pressure matches. Cottrell said staying composed often makes the difference on the mat.
“When you wrestle with anger, that’s when you make the most mistakes,” he said. “I try to stay calm and focused.”
For Anderson, confidence comes from preparation, experience and perspective. After wrestling since the age of four, he said the sport has shaped who he is, both on and off the mat.
“Wrestling isn’t just a sport for me,” Anderson said. “It’s a way of life. All the hours I’ve put in growing up prepared me to compete at this level.”
The Roughnecks’ recent success has also been fueled by recognition across the conference. Earlier in January, Findlay saw multiple strong performances that helped position the team for a high finish at the G-MAC Championships, according to University of Findlay Athletics. As the team prepares for regionals, both veterans and younger wrestlers are focused on carrying the momentum forward. Anderson said the goal is to continue competing with confidence while supporting one another through the postseason.
“No matter the outcome, I know who I am and what I represent,” Anderson said.
