Lights ready for rematch with Argos

It's been a roller coaster of a 2024 so far for the Montana State University-Northern wrestling team, after injuries and travel issues literally derailed most of January.

Now however, longtime head coach Tyson Thivierge's team seems to be hitting its stride, and just in time, too. That's because the Lights are set for their annual rematch with the nationally ranked Providence Argos Thursday night in Billings.

The dual will be a home match for the Argos, after the Lights played host to Providence back in November in Havre. The meeting flips every season now that Montana's only two wrestling schools in the state decided on facing off on the eve of state wrestling every year now.

And while the Argos dominated Northern last time out, Thursday night should be different.

The Lights, led by nationally ranked NaKoda Siegel at 174 pounds, Devin Crawford at 165, Austin Vanek at 184 and Carl Hansen at 197, are very strong in the upper weights. That also includes heavyweight Shane Mattson, who has been coming on strong as of late, as well as Rylin Burns, who is also outstanding at 184 pounds.

However, Providence is having a big season and is loaded with talent, as well.

Jalen Vladic, Hunter Hobbs, Bridger Hall, Abel Nava, Jaren Komac, Alan Badley, Sawyer Hobbs and star heavyweight K.C. Buday are all highly ranked wrestlers who plan on making life tough for the Lights.

Still, the dual is always exciting and always intense and this installment should be no different as both the Lights and Argos are ready to put on a show for the Montana wrestling community, which will be pouring into Billings for this weekend's All-Class State Tournament.

The dual between Northern and Providence will start at 7:30 p.m. at Billings Senior High Thursday night. The match marks the end of the regular season for the Lights, who will travel to the CCC Championships Feb. 16-17.