Lights gearing up for an exciting season on the mat

It's about that time. With fall in full swing, the Montana State University-Northern wrestling team is set to take the mat for what should be a huge season.

The Lights open their season Saturday night at North Idaho College, and they begin the year ranked No. 7 in the NAIA.

Northern's high ranking, and a top billing in the Cascade Conference, comes by way of MSU-N having an outstanding returning cast of great wrestlers.

That core group, for longtime head coach Tyson Thivierge, includes 174-pounder NaKoda Siegel, who is ranked second in the NAIA. He is a returning All-American, who took fourth place last year at Nationals. He was Runner-up at the Cascade Conference Champion in 2023. Former Havre Blue Pony great Martin Wilkie also returns and is ranked fifth at 149. He is a two-time National Qualifier and took second at the Cascade Conference Champion in 2023.

Sophomore Austin Vanek starts the season ranked third at 184 pounds. He is a returning All-American, who took seventh place. He took fifth place at the Cascade Conference Champions in 2023. Fellow 184-pounder Rylin Burns is ranked 15th.

Also back is Devin Crawford at 165, who is ranked eifghth, while Carl Hansen is ranked 11th at 197.

The talent though, doesn't end with Northern's ranked grapplers. Up and down the lineup, Northern looks stout. 

In the lower weights, Tanner and Cooper Cook return, while Brennon McDermott and Georgina Moraga bring experience as well. At 141, Colin Silverthorn is a veteran in the room for the Lights too.

In the upper weights, Ryan Graves, Cade Gubler and former Blue Pony star Orion Thivierge should have an impact on the Lights' lineiup as well.

And that lineup should be a powerhouse this season, as Northern wrestles in tough tournaments like the Grand View Open, the Battle for the Rockies, the Reno T.O.C., the NWAC National Duals, and the Missouri Valley Open. 

Northern also has a full slate of CCC duals that include home matches against Southern Oregon, as well a visit from Dickson State. Of course, the Lights will also face rival Providence twice, including their annual meeting in Billings over MHSA State Wrestling weekend. But the Lights hope the strike first when they host the Argos Nov. 8 in the Armory Gymnasium.

All roads will lead to the postseason for the Lights, where they will compete in the CCC Championships Feb. 16-17 in LaGrande, Oregon then the NAIA National Championships Feb. 29-March 1 in Wichita.

Northern opens the regular season this Saturday night at Northern Idaho.