A week ago, the Montana State University-Northern wrestling team had its longest and most difficult road trip of the season. A week later, the Lights shined.

    Northern took to the air to travel to Prescott, Ariz., this weekend for the Mile High Duals and Mile High Open, hosted by NAIA powerhouse Embry-Riddle University.

    On Friday, the Lights went a stellar 1-2 in dual action against three NCAA schools. Northern won duals a pair of duals against New Mexico Highlands and Cal Baptist University, while also dueling Grand Canyon University. Northern’s two wins came by scores of 28-16 and 28-15.

    But the big success came Saturday as the Lights finished second in the Mile High Open. It was the eighth-ranked Lights top finish in a tournament format this season.

    Individually, the Lights found plenty of success as three  Northern grapplers won Mile High titles. Anthony Weerheim captured first at 141 pounds, Ethan Hinebauch captured his first carrer title at 165 pounds and Jared Miller won at 174.

    Two more Lights reached championship bouts as Evan Hinebauch and Max Payne both turned in second-place finishes. The Lights also got a pair of thirds from heavyweight Nick King and 157-pounder Mickey Cheff, while Riley Miller took fourth at 125 pounds and Cameron Neiss placed fourth at 133.

    After nearly two months on the road, the Lights will finally return home for a dual Thursday night against the Northwest College Trappers. The dual is set to begin at 7 p.m. at the MSU-Northern Fieldhouse.

    The Lights are also set to close out the homeportion of their schedule on Feb. 8 when they host arch rival, the University of Great Falls in Havre.

For more, see Tuesday's Havre Daily News.