INDIANAPOLIS – The UIndy wrestling team began action at the DII Championships, as six Greyhounds competed at the national event on Friday.
 
Derek Blubaugh (197) and Jackson Hoover (149) advanced in their respective weight classes and will compete on Saturday morning.
 
This year's event is part of the 2025 NCAA Division II National Championships Festival, with competition taking place at Corteva Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The defending national champion at 197, Blubaugh went undefeated in his pair of bouts on Friday and earned the opportunity to defend his title.
 
The redshirt-senior defeated two PSAC opponents en route to the semifinals – and All-America status; Blubaugh made quick work of Wayne McIntyre (Kutztown) with a fall at 1:46 before winning in dramatic fashion against Dakoda Rodgers (Pitt-Johnstown) in overtime with a takedown.
 

197 | #3 Derek Bluebaugh TO THE SEMIFINALS????
#3 Bluebaugh defeats #6 Dakoda Rodgers of Pitt-Johnstown in overtime (Dec 6-3) to advance to the semifinals tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/ACHfBDAgrr

— UIndy Wrestling (@UIndyWrestling) March 14, 2025

 
Meanwhile, Hoover secured his spot at the podium in his third match of the day. After suffering a 10-9 loss to open the competition, Hoover bounced back with two straight wins by decision. The two-time reigning Elite 90 recipient as a result of his work in the classroom, Hoover brought school to the mat in defeats of opponents Jake Piccirilli (UNC Pembroke) and Ethen Doty (Upper Iowa). The senior earned his first All-America honors with the 6-0 victory over Doty.
 

JACKSON HOOVER IS AN ALL-AMERICAN ????

149 | #7 Jackson Hoover defeats #8 Ethen Doty of Upper Iowa to secure his spot on the podium. #HoundsWrestling || #OffTheChain????? pic.twitter.com/DJXkpVl9sG

— UIndy Wrestling (@UIndyWrestling) March 14, 2025

 
Cale Gray competed four times on Friday, bouncing back with a pair of wins by major decision and pinfall. The heavyweight forced tiebreakers in the nightcap against third-seeded Carter Blough (Grand Valley), ultimately falling by a 9-7 decision to conclude his season.
 
Nathan Smith (125), Brayden Lowery (141), and Nathan Conley (157) all won their respective consolation bouts after a first-round defeat. Smith provided some drama, breaking a 3-3 tie with a takedown as two seconds remained against Kaden Kuenzi (Lander).
 
Lowery earned a 13-5 major decision win over Caleb Chaves (Gannon) in his first wrestleback, while Conley snagged a 10-8 victory against Noah Roulo (Lander).
 
As a team, the Greyhounds sit outside the top 15 with 20.5 points.
 
UP NEXT
The Greyhound survivors head back to the mats Saturday morning, with Hoover scheduled on mat four in the third round of the consolation bracket.