MSU-N grapplers finish fourth at NWCA National Duals

The Montana State University-Northern wrestling team saw plenty of good competition in its 2025 debut last weekend. The Lights traveled to Iowa for the NWCA National Duals, where they finished fourth in their bracket.

MSU-N, ranked 14th in the NAIA fell to fourth-ranked Cumberlands 23-18. Kolten Powers won at 125 pounds, as did Caeleb Ishmael at 149, Justin Windauer at 157, Devin Crawford at 174 and Austin Vanek at 197 in the close dual.

The Lights rebounded for a 25-14 win over arch rival Eastern Oregon. In that win, Kade Willsi won at 133 pounds, while Ishmael, Windauer, Crawford and Shane Mattson were all victorious as well in the big win.

The Lights then lost a tough dual to No. 6 Doane, 26-15. In that match, as Windauer, Crawfoord, Vanek and Mattson tried to help the Lights mount a big comeback.

The Lights also lost a pair of duals to tough ranked opponents on the final day of the tourney. MSU-N was defeated by No. 8 Indiana Tech, 31-10 before falling in the fourth-place match against conference rival Southern Oregon 38-3.

The Lights have a road dual tonight at Dickinson State, before heading to the Missouri Valley Collegiate Jan. 24-25.