FINALLY READY TO RUMBLE

They had to wait a week and, in reality, a lot longer than that, but the Montana State University-Northern Lights and the University of Providence Argos are going to finally face off on the wrestling mat.

Northern, ranked No. 17, and Providence, which is unranked, will meet tonight at 6 in the Armory Gymnasium in a dual that was originally scheduled for last week but was moved back a week because of a COVID-19 issue at UP.

Now, though, the Lights, who are undefeated in duals, and Argos will finally get their chance to go head-to-head in a dual that actually would have happened all the way back in November had it not been for the pandemic. Of course, fans will not be in the Armory tonight for the latest in the long-standing rivalry, but, nevertheless, the teams will be fired up and ready to go.

In the case of the Lights, they have had two events in what has been a tough scheduling year, but they're certainly working their way through it. Both seniors Nick Kunz (133) and Isaac Bartel (197) are unbeaten on the season, with Kunz ranked No. 4 after moving up from 125, and Bartel ranked No. 1. Other Northern veterans are fairing well in limited action, too.

Steeler French, who red-shirted last season, is off to a great start at 184 pounds, and will likely be ranked when the new NAIA Coaches Poll comes out today. Chase Short is ranked at 174 pounds, as well, and is gunning for a return trip to nationals, while senior Dylan Veis has also really risen to the occasion so far this season.

And with MSU-N's veterans leading the way, new faces are starting to find their footing as well. Freshman Connor Harris (149/157) has been solid thus far, as the former Blue Pony was named Cascade Conference Wrestler of the Week this past week for his performance at last weekend's duals in Iowa. Kaleb Frank (125) and Clayton Currier (141) also continue to make progress, while sophomore Carl Hansen gives Northern even more depth at 184 and Rylan Moldenahuer has continued to grow into his role at heavyweight. Devin Crawford wrestles at 165 for the Lights, while Northern is currently open at 157.

Meanwhile, the Argos will be a bit of an unknown this time around, simply because, they've had even less mat time than Northern this season. UP didn't even start practicing until the beginning of the month because the school had been in remote learning. Then, several of their scheduled early-season duals were canceled, so things have been tough for head coach Steve Komac's team.

The Argos graduated a lot of firepower last year too, but they will never be a pushover. Jordan Komac comes in ranked fourth in the NAIA at 165, while Eli Walston is ranked 14th at 125. Hayden Schrull is also a contender for the Argos at 184. Christian Mesa (141), Guillo Boone (157), Tucker Naccarato (174) are ones to watch as well.

And while the Argos come into tonight's match with plenty of question marks, the intensity of the rivalry will still be there, and if all goes according to plan, there won't be a long wait for the rematch. Northern's trip to Providence for the second dual of the season is scheduled for the traditional slot in February, this time on Feb. 11 at the McLaughlin Center.

First things first, however. The Lights will get the Argos on their mat, when they meet tonight at 6 in the Armory Gymnasium. Fans can watch the dual by going to http://golightsgo.com .

"Being at home is nice, but being short handed is never fun in this dual," Thivierge said. "We will roll with what we have and wrestle hard for seven minutes."