MSU-N matmen right back to work tonight

The Montana State University-Northern wrestling team put on a dramatic show for their fans when they nearly came back to beat the University of Great Falls Argos on Thursday night at the Armory Gymnasium.

But the Lights will have little time to rest, regroup, or think about what might have been in a 28-21 loss to the rival Argos.

Northern jumps right back on the mat tonight, and this time, the Lights will wrestle back-to-back duals. Northern will face NJCAA powerhouses Northwest College at 5, then turn right around and wrestle North Idaho at 7.

And neither dual will be easy for the fifth-ranked Lights.

North Idaho is the No. 1 junior college team in the country, and the Cardinals have beaten the Lights in each of the last two seasons. The NIC lineup includes nine wrestlers who are currently ranked in the NJCAA rankings.

At 125 pounds, Michael Nyguen is ranked fourth, at 133, Deondre Wilson is No. 8, at 141, former Belgrade Panther Bryce Weatherston is ranked No. 3, at 157, Dajour Reece is No. 9, at 165, Tyler McLean is No. 4, at 174, Jordan Cooks is No. 10, at 184, Jonathon Dennis is No. 3, at 197, Trent Allen is No. 9 and finally, at heavyweight, the Cardinals bring No. 1 ranked Taylor Kennedy.

And though the Lights already have a win against Northwest College this season, the Trappers won’t be slouches either. They are ranked No. 7 in the NJCAA and bring six ranked wrestlers to tonight’s dual.

Northwest has No. 1 Jonathan Wixom at 197 pounds, while Robert Gomez is No. 11 at 125. John David Henderson is No. 9 at 133 pounds, Jeff McCormick is No. 4 at 149 pounds, Kaelen Loveless is No. 5 at 165 pounds and Jorge Rodriguez is No. 9 at heavyweight.

Tonight’s two duals mark the end of a three-match home stand for the Lights. After tonight’s action in the Armory, Northern won’t wrestle at home again until Jan. 6 against Western Wyoming.