Alumni Dual kicks off an exciting MSU-Northern wrestling season

The Montana State University-Northern wrestling team has big goals and high expectations for the upcoming season. And, after two weeks of intense practice, many of the 2016-17 Lights will finally be put to the test.

While the regular season is still two weeks away, Northern begins preparations in earnest with the annual Alumni Dual, which takes place Saturday inside the Armory Gymnasium.

Of course, the Alumni Dual is only an exhibition, but given the quality wrestlers who have come through the Northern program over the last few decades, the dual is also highly competitive, and the perfect way for the Lights to kick off the season.

And the 2016 Alumni Dual should be no different given who’s competing for the Alumni squad against veteran head coach Tyson Thivierge’s team, as the Alumni roster is littered with former Lights greats and NAIA All-Americans and national champions.

Included in that list is four-time All-American and 2011 national champion Evan Hinebauch, as well as four-time All-American and 2004 national champ Caleb Schaeffer, who also happens to be the head coach at UGF. Rudy James, a two-time All-American is also a mainstay in the Alumni Dual. James recently won silver at the Veterans Freestyle World Championships Wałbrzych, Poland. Other Northern veterans scheduled to compete Saturday include 2002 All-American Eric Dunmire and 2003 All-American Bobby Mantle.

The Alumni roster also has a youthful look to it as well, led by four-time All-American Ethan Hinebauch, who graduated in 20015. Cameron Neiss, a three-time All-American, Austin Ouelette, an All-American in 2009, Willie Miller, an All-American a season ago, Brenton Beard and Toby Cheff a three-time All-American, who also graduated just last spring, will also compete for the Alumni squad, some of which whom wrestle twice.

And the Alumni Dual is just part of the big push to start the Northern season, a season in which the Lights will be national title contenders. MSU-N will also hold its annual Maroon/Gold Dual Tuesday night, then, open the regular season with a dual against rival North Idaho College Oct. 29 in Havre.

The Alumni Dual will start at 1 p.m. Saturday inside the Armory Gymnasium. The Maroon/Gold Dual is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday night, also in the Armory.