MSU-N wrestlers pumped to showcase the program in high-stakes dual against Providence tonight in Billings

The Armory Gymnasium has been home to some thrilling moments when it comes to the Montana State University-Northern Lights and their wrestling rivalry with the University of Providence Argos.

Tonight however, Northern will call Billings home as the Lights take on the Argos for the second time this season. The move to Billings on the Thursday night before the start of state wrestling came about several years ago, and the Lights are the home team tonight, as the Argos hosted Northern back in November in Great Falls.

And though Northern has to give up the dual in there home gym, longtime head coach Tyson Thivierge couldn't be more excited to showcase his program, and the rivalry to much of the state, who is gathered in Billings for the 2023 state wrestling tournament.

"We are obviously excited to serve the Montana wrestling community by giving up a home date to do this in Billings," Thivierge said. "Lockwood High jumped all over this dual and is excited to host and we thank them for that. I feel the energy is going to be electric and we are in for the toughest atmosphere we've seen this season."

The atmosphere will be electric and so will the matches. The young Lights have come a long way since falling to the now No. 9 Argos back in November.

Still, as young as Northern is, the Lights have some powerful grapplers, led by Martin Wilkie, ranked No. 7 at 149 pounds, NaKoda Siegel, ranked third at 174, Carl Hansen, ranked 16th at 197, and Devin Crawford at 165. Veteran heavyweight Rylan Moldenhauer has always been a mainstay for the Lights, while Thiverge will lean on rising sophomore Tanner Cook at 125, sophomore Colin Silverthorn at 141, freshman Austin Vanek at 184, and either Noah McDermott or Cooper Cook at 133, and either Connor Harris or Gavin McLean at 157. Nationally ranked Rylin Burns is also available at 174.

The Argos meanwhile, will counter with standout Joel Avila, ranked No. 9 at 133, No. 25 Aden Graves at 157, No. 8 Jordan Komac at 165, No. 9 Abel Nava at 174, No. 10 Sawyer Hobbs at 184, as well as the anchor of the team, heavyweight K.C. Buday, who comes into tonight's dual ranked No. 2 in the NAIA.

And though the Lights are certainly pumped up for the rivalry, and they've grown a ton since November, Thivierge knows they're hands will be full in what should be a very entertaining night.

"UP is highly ranked and are wrestling extremely well right now, so we have a huge test in front of us," Thivierge said. "Every guy in our line-up better be ready for battle. This is similar to the post season and we have got to get back on track prior to conference. We are looking forward to this opportunity in Billings."

Tonight's dual between Northern and Providence will start at 7:30 at Lockwood. The match marks the end of the regular season for both the Lights and Argos.