MSU-N grapplers wrestle tough competition in Reno

After an exciting win over Southern Oregon last Wednesday night, the Montana State University-Northern wrestling team moved on to Reno, Nevada, for two days worth of competition.

Last Friday night, the No. 20 Lights took part in the Reno NAIA Duals, where they fell to Cascade Conference rival Eastern Oregon, and took on St. Ambrose as well.

Against No. 7 EOU, the Lights fell behind 14-0 in a 30-15 loss to the powerful Mountaineers. Martin Wilkie got a pin for the Lights at 149 pounds, while Devin Crawford did the same at 165. NaKoda Siegel also got a decision for the Lights at 174.

The Lights bounced back from the loss to EOU with a dominant performance against St. Ambrose. The Lights defeated the Bees, who are coached by former Northern assistant Bo Bettinson, 34-12.

Northern started the dual with a win from Tanner Cook at 125 pounds. He defeated former Havre High state champion Mick Chagnon, 11-4. Noah McDermott then got a major decision at 133, while Colin Silverthorn earned a pin at 141 and Martin Wilkie did the same at 149.

Rylin Burns added a pin at 174 pounds, while Rylan Moldenhauer fought to a 6-3 decision at 285.

After having Saturday off the Lights took part in the prestigious Reno Tournament of Champions, a tournament that featured top NCAA Division I teams, as well as NAIA powerhouses like Grand View.

The Lights entered 13 wrestlers, with NaKoda Siegel scoring an outstanding fifth-place finish. Siegel reached the quarterfinals before losing, then wrestled back and won his fifth-place match.

Also getting wins for the Lights in Reno were Tanner Cook at 125 pounds, Cooper Cook at 133, Brennon McDermott at 133, Martin Wilkie at 149, Devin Crawford at 165, Zach Valdez at 165, Rylin Burns at 174, Austin Vanek at 184, Carl Hansen at 197 and Rylan Moldenhauer at 285.

The Lights are now off for Christmas break. Northern will return to action Jan. 11 when they dual Dickinson State in Dickinson, North Dakota.