Lights get back on the mat

Following the Montana State University-Northern Lights' last dual, a win over Warner Pacific two weeks ago, veteran head coach Tyson Thivierge said he wanted to see more consistency from his dual lineup.

Friday, Northern will certainly get that chance.

The No. 18 Lights will compete in the Argo Duals Friday, then remain in Great Falls for the Battle of the Rockies Open. It will be a busy weekend for the Lights, who have been off since the Nov. 24 Spokane Open.

The weekend in Great Falls also starts an intense December for Northern. Aside from the trip to Great Falls, the Lights will also take on Cascade Conference rival Eastern Oregon, as well as wrap up the month at the prestigious Reno Tournament of Champions.

First things first though - Friday's Argo Duals.

Northern will get three matchers Friday, as the Lights will take on Northwest College, San Francsico State and longtime rival North Idaho College.

The duals against Northwest and North Idaho are familiar for the Lights, as they generally see them every season. But they also won't be easy. NIC is currently ranked No. 4 in the NJCAA Power Poll, while the Trappers are ranked 11th. Meanwhile San Francisco State is an NCAA Division II program, and the Gators will certain present more challenges for the Lights.

Of course, MSU-N is a tough test on the mat, too. The Lights currently have six nationally ranked wrestlers, including star junior Isaac Bartel. The 197-pounder is ranked No. 2 in the NAIA and has just one loss this season. Rob Pair is also ranked 12th at 125, Landon Bailey is ranked 17th at 133, Clayton Currier is 14th at 141 and Chase Short is 17th at 174.

The Lights will compete three times in the Argo Duals Friday, followed by the Battle of the Rockies Open Saturday. Both events are set to take place inside the McLaughlin Center in Great Falls.