By Ryan Divish/Havre Daily News Sports Editor/rdivish@havredailynews.com
Montana State University-Northern wrestling coach David Ray has added a pair of solid recruits to his stable of wrestlers.
Jason Harrington of Deer Lodge has signed a letter of intent to wrestle for the Lights next season.
Harrington, who is projected to vie for a spot at 125 pounds, was 43-3 this season and captured the 125-pound Class B-C state title.
Harrington was a four-time state placer. As a freshman he was 36-6 while placing fifth. As a sophomore, he finished second while compiling a 40-4 record. In his junior year, Harrington again placed fifth while finishing 33-7.
"Jason will be a very successful, he has a great work ethic with determination to be the best at his weight," Ray said. "He is strong and very quick which are skills that will help him reach his college goals."
Ray said he may redshirt Harrington in his first year so he can mature and grow into the college style of wrestling.
Ray also added a top junior college transfer. Stryder Davis, a two National Junior College All-American, is coming to the Lights from North Idaho College.
Davis finished second in the 149-pound division at the 2001 National Junior College Wrestling Tournament. In 2003, Davis placed third while wrestling at 149 pounds. He finished his junior college career with 76-11.
"Northern is very fortunate to have someone with Stryder's athletic ability and success to sign a letter of intent," Ray said. "Stryder is a very intense and mentally tough wrestler, with a relentless attack. His goal is to offensively pressure his opponents until breaking them mentally and physically. The MSU-Northern and Montana fans will enjoy watching Stryder for the next two years."
Davis, who hails from Scio, Oregon, where he was a three-time state placer and had a 149-19 high school career record. Stryder, a physical education major and the son of Dan and Christy Davis, is married and has a three-month old daughter.
