Lights dual Mountaineers ahead of Reno T.O.C.

The surging Montana State University-Northern Lights have just one week of competition left before the new year. And it starts with a big time Cascade Conference dual.

Tonight in Reno, Nevada, Northern will take on rival Eastern Oregon in a matchup of nationally-ranked NAIA teams. The Mountaineers are also led by former Northern assistant coach and wrestler Dustyn Azure. The Mountaineers are led by fifth-ranked Keegan Mulhill at 174 pounds, third-ranked Kyle Knutson at 184 and third-ranked heavyweight Noel Orozco.

Of course, the Lights are tough across the lineup. Nick Kunz (133), Martin Wilkie (141), Chase Short (174), Carl Hansen (184) and Isaac Bartel (197) are all ranked nationally heading into the dual, which will be held at a neutral site.

The dual isn't the only business the Lights are in Reno to take care of either.

On Sunday, Northern will take part in the annual Reno T.O.C. one of the top tournaments each season in the western part of the country. The tournament features a slew of NCAA Division I and DII teams, including American University, Cal Poly, Northern Colorado, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Pacific, Stanford and Wyoming. NAIA powers like Grand View, Menlo and Providence will also be there, as will grapplers form plenty of other tough teams. Oklahoma State is perhaps the top team, as the Cowboys are ranked fourth in the latest NCAA Coaches Poll.

Tonight's dual against EOU, and Sunday's tournament in Reno, will conclude Northern's 2021 schedule. The Lights will return to action with a home dual against Dickinson State Jan. 12.