Lights add another Willson to wrestling team

The last name will be recognizable to Montana State University-Northern wrestling fans, so will the wrestling skills. Emory Willson, younger brother of two-time NAIA national champion Emmett Willson, has signed an NAIA letter of intent to wrestle for Lights head coach David Ray next season.

Emory, a three-time placer at the Montana state B-C wrestling tournament for Shepherd High School, was 46-4 this season and finished fifth at state in the 171-pound division. In 2002, he compiled a 40-7 record and finished third.

A four-year letterman in wrestling and football, Willson holds the school record for most wins in a season with 46 along records for most takedowns in one season with 120 and near falls with 25.

He is the son Larry and Belinda Willson.

Ray has also inked a standout wrestler from Idaho.

Brian Fritchman of Orofino, Idaho has also committed to the Lights for next year.

Fritchman is a three-time Idaho state champion. As a sophomore, he compiled a 35-7 record on his way to his first title. Fritchman repeated the feat his junior year with a 22-2 overall record. This past season, he made it a three-peat by winning the 189-pound division on his way to a 26-1 record. He was named his team's outstanding wrestler the past three years as well as a standout offensive lineman.

Fritchman is also a solid student carrying a 3.5 grade point average and earning oustanding individual scholar athlete award.