MSU-N's Chase Short, a Great Falls native, keeps Providence rivalry in perspective

It's rivalry week for the Montana State University-Northern wrestling team as the University of Providence comes to Armory Gymnasium for a dual Wednesday night. Both teams enter the dual with a 1-1 record but whenever the Lights and Argonauts meet on the mats, records go out the door.

"It doesn't matter if they were ranked number one in the country and we were dead last, this dual always brings the best out in both teams," MSU-N head coach Tyson Thivierge said. "It's a good springboard early in the season to get going for the remainder of the season."

After a season without fans in attendance because of COVID-19 protocols, Thivierge is also excited for fans to come out and witness this week's dual.

"It's going to feel good. Hopefully we get a packed house with our crowd and we make some noise and they get our guys going," Thivierge said.

The Lights' starting lineup will be the same as their lineup against North Idaho College to begin the season last month. In the 125-pound weight class, Kaleb Frank will look to improve upon his 1-1 record this season. Nick Kunz will also try to improve to 2-1 as he will wrestle at 133 pounds.

Martin Wilkie will wrestle for the Lights at 141 pounds and will try to improve to 3-0 this season. Colby Schreiver will wrestle at 149 pounds for the first time this season. Connor Harris will wrestle at 157 pounds and Nakoda Siegel will wrestle at 174 pounds. Other MSU-N wrestlers include Carl Hansen at 184 pounds, Isaac Bartel at 197 pounds and Rylan Moldenhauer at 285 pounds.

Chase Short, an NAIA All-American already, will wrestle for the Lights at 165 pounds and will look to improve on his 1-0 record this season. Coming into the season, he is the ninth-ranked wrestler in his weight class in the NAIA.. While Short appreciates the recognition, he only has his eyes on the ultimate goal.

"It's cool but it's just about the end, getting to March and the national tournament," Short said.

Short has been wrestling since middle school in Great Falls and has excelled on the mats through the years. These past two years in the MSU-N program, he has qualified for the NAIA National Championships. While excelling on the mats, Short has enjoyed making many meaningful relationships in the process.

"Just seeing progress, having fun with it and getting yourself better every day," Short said about what he loves about wrestling. "You build a lot of cool relationships with your teammates, your coaches, your coaches' families, your teammates' families, you meet a lot of cool people along the way."

Short is now into his final season with the Lights. As he hits the mats one last time this year, he just wants to appreciate every minute of it.

"I think it's just enjoying all the little things," Short said. "I'm back with a couple other teammates who I have built really good relationships with over the years so it's just enjoying every part of it. The highs, lows and in betweens."

During his time at MSU-N, Short has majored in elementary education. Once he is done with college, he hopes to become a middle school teacher while also staying involved in wrestling as a coach.

Short and the Lights will host the Argos tonight at 7 p.m. at the Armory Gymnasium. Before he hits the mats for a huge match tonight, possibly against UP's Jordan Komac, the Havre Daily News got the chance to ask Short five questions.

HDN: As a Great Falls native, how does it feel to face University of Providence this Wednesday?

Short: "It's nothing new. I've done it the last couple of years now and it's the same thing every time we step out on the mat against a team. I'm there with my teammates, and my guys are ready to go to war with whoever."

HDN: Over the years, what have you learned from wrestling?

Short: "You don't deserve anything. You get what you earn. You got to work really hard. You got to set goals and work hard to obtain them and with wrestling, you can't do it by yourself. I've been blessed with great coaches and great teammates along the way and anything's possible if you work hard enough."

HDN: What are the biggest challenges of collegiate wrestling?

Short: "It doesn't matter who you're wrestling out there. Everybody's tough. Any previous accolades or accomplishments from high school, none of that stuff really matters. You got to respect everybody."

HDN: How have you managed being a student-athlete?

Short: "Obviously, you've got to prioritize school as number one. If you don't get the grades, you don't get to wrestle. Some teammates and I have struggled so I think a lot of it is just communication with your coaches and teachers if you're struggling. You've got to find that balance."

HDN: Outside of wrestling, what other passions do you have?

Short: "I love journaling and reading. I used to game but I quit gaming and then during COVID last year, I bought a guitar and taught myself how to play guitar so that part's been really fun."