By Boots Gifford
Shepherd High wrestler Scott Berens is the newest member of the NAIA national champion Montana State-Northern Lights, announced coach David Ray.
Hes like having a blue chipper, Ray said. Hes tough on his feet and hes good at riding.
Berens prep career record is 123-33 including 61 pins. As a freshman at 119 and 125 pounds, he went 25-12. His sophomore season, while suffering a broken hand, he was 22-11 at 130 pounds. At 140 pounds his junior year, Berens went 36-9 and was second at state. His senior year, going 40-1, Berens captured the state Class B-C title at 140 pounds.
Expected to fill a slot at 141 pounds for the Lights, Ray said Berens will likely redshirt his freshman season.
He fills a hole we needed where theres a senior this year, Ray said. Its good to get someone in and learn Northerns training method and expectations of our team.
Ray said Berens was impressed by the Lights team unity and family atmosphere.
Its nice to have added so many Montana kids, Ray said. With our success weve been able to retain talented wrestlers in the state.
Also an accomplished football player, Berens played inside/outside linebacker and was a team captain his senior season.
Berens was an honor roll student at Shepherd High, serving as class representative on the student council and a four-year member of the varsity choir.
Berens will major in business at Northern.
