Lights will host legendary Hawkeyes on the mat

The 2015-16 NAIA wrestling season is a long way off. But, fans of the Montana State University-Northern Lights now have something very big to look forward too.

On Tuesday afternoon, Northern head wrestling coach Tyson Thivierge announced that the Lights have secured a home dual with NCAA powerhouse, the University of Iowa. The dual will take place Feb. 12 inside the Armory Gymnasium.

The Hawkeyes have won 23 NCAA team titles since 1975, and they will come to Northern fresh off a second-place finish at the 2015 NCAA championships.

Interestingly, this trip won't be Iowa's first to Havre. The Hawkeyes visited Northern in 1996, and have a coaching connection to MSU-N as well. Iowa's head coach and associate head coach are the legendary Brands brothers. Tom Brands is in his 10th season at the helm of the famed program, while brother Terry is the associate head coach. Terry spent a season as an assistant coach at Northern, from 2001-2002.

The dual with the Hawkeyes will be part of a huge month for the Lights at home. Northern recently released its schedule, and the Lights will host Embry-Riddle Feb. 5, followed by its annual home dual with UGF Feb. 10. The Hawkeyes will visit Feb. 12, while the Western Regional Tournament is set for Feb. 20 in Prescott, Arizona.

The Lights open their season with the Alumni Dual Oct. 11 and the Maroon/Gold Dual Oct. 22. Northern's first regular season home meet is against Southern Oregon Nov. 19.

For much more on this story, stay tuned to the Havre Daily News.