MSU-N matmen get to work at NAIA Duals

It’s finally back to work for the Montana State University-Northern wrestling team. But MSU-N’s return to the mat after 20-day layoff won’t be a walk in the park.

Saturday and Sunday, the No. 2 Lights will be in Des Moines, Iowa, for the NAIA National Duals, where 16 of the best NAIA teams will go head-to-head in a double-elimination format. Northern hasn’t had the kind of success it would have liked at this event in recent years, but this weekend, the Lights bring one of the best dual teams in the country into action.

Overall, MSU-N is 5-1 in duals this season, but the Lights could see some of the best teams they’ve faces all season. Northern is seeded No. 2 this weekend, and will be on the opposite side of the bracket from both defending national champion Grand View, as well as rival UGF. Other top teams in attendance include, Lindsey Wilson, Campblesville, Missouri Valley, Midland, Morningside, Cumberland University, Baker, Indiana Tech, Wayland Baptist, York College, Missouri Baptist, Oklahoma City and Dickinson State.

As for MSU-N’s lineup this weekend, the Lights will be solid but will likely be without sophomore Duell Stadel, who has competed at 125 pounds and 133 pounds. Northern will send out Aaron LaFarge at 125, while Douglas O’Hara could fill in at 133. Cameron Neiss will wrestle at 141, while Hunter Azure is healthy and ready to go at 149. The upper weights is where Northern’s dual lineup gets really tough to beat. Mickey Cheff leads the way at 157 pounds, while Ethan Hinebauch (165), Jared Miller (174), Kody Reed (184), Toby Cheff (197) and Garrett DeMers (197) all have wins by pin this season. Either Jorrell Jones or Rico Paz will round out the Lights’ lineup at heavyweight.

MSU-N will get started at the NAIA National Duals with its first-round match Saturday morning. The Lights will then either advance to the quarterfinals Saturday night, or Sunday morning’s loser-out bracket. The tournament will conclude with the championship round Sunday afternoon. Northern returns home to host Western Wyoming Jan. 18.