Northern matmen dominate Trapper Open

After a phenomenal start to the dual season, the Montana State University-Northern wrestling team got the tournament schedule off to an equally impressive start.

At the Trapper Open last Saturday in Powell, Wyoming, the Lights crowned a pair of champions, advanced four to the finals and sent nine grapplers to the podium in what was a dominant performance.

Leading the way for the No. 18 Lights was Martin Wilkie, who won the 149-pound devision with a fall over Wyatt McDermott of WWC in the championship match. Joining Wilkie as a champion was Devin Crawford, who beat Providence’ Bridger Hall for thew 165 pound championship in Powell. Northern also saw Tanner Cook (125) and Collin Silverthorn (141) reach the finals before finishing second.

MSU-N, led by veteran head coach Tyson Thivierge, also had a slew of top-three finishes, including Cooper Cook at 133 pounds, Conner Harris at 157 pounds, Zach Valdez at 165 pounds, Cade Gubler at 174 pounds and Carl Hansen at 197 pounds.

The Lights will now return to dual action with a trip to Great Falls on Wednesday night, where they’ll battle the Providence Argos in the first of two matchups this season.