Lights ready for the rematch

Ready for round two? The Montana State University-Northern Lights certainly are.

Normally, Northern's rivalry with the University of Providence Argos is split into two duals that are worlds apart, with one in early November and the rematch coming on state wrestling week in February.

Well, the rematch is happening on its normal week, but, because of the havoc COVID-19 has wreaked on the wrestling schedule, and all sports in general, the Lights and Argos meet just three weeks after they did battle the first time. Northern travels to Providence to face the Argos Thursday night at 7 in the McLaughlin Center.

The dual, between the No. 19 Lights, and the Argos will be a rematch in which UP came to Havre and upset Northern. Since that time however, neither team has had a ton of matches, so, once again, there will likely be some rust. Even so, the dual will be a good one as usual, in spite of no fans being allowed, and it not being held at state wrestling, since there is no all-class state tournament this weekend in Billings.

Instead, Northern will try and win one in the Argos' gym, as the Lights are led by top-ranked senior standout Isaac Bartel, who is unbeaten at 197 pounds on the season. Fellow senior Nick Kunz comes in ranked No. 6 at 133 pounds for the Lights, and he too provides veteran leadership, while Chase Short is ranked 15th and having a strong season at 174 pounds. Veterans Steeler French (184) and Rylan Moldenhauer (HWT) give the Lights a strong core in the upper weights, while the Argos lean on Jordan Komac at 165, as well as a strong group of contenders in the lower weights.

Northern and the Argos will meet Thursday night at 7 p.m. in the McLaughlin Center. The dual can be viewed live by going to golightsgo.com.