By Boots Gifford
The Montana State-Northern Lights have added Shepherd High School wrestler Emmett Willson to their ranks for the 1999-2000 season, announced Northern coach David Ray.
Hes just a tough wrestler, Ray said. He doesnt quit. He doesnt give up points. He just keeps going until time is out. He has a lot of heart.
At 5-11, Willson wrestled 160 pounds his senior prep season, but Ray said he sees him developing into a 165- to 174-pounder after a redshirt season.
Hes going to get a lot better in college. Hell improve tremendously, said Ray, who noted Willson will have some excellent workout partners, such as Havres Kyle Fisher. Steel sharpens steel. Theyll work each other hard. Thats a big bonus to the program.
Willson holds a 127-26 overall prep record including 72 career pins and 217 takedowns. As a freshman he placed sixth at the Montana Class B-C state tournament at 112 pounds with a 25-12 record. His record as a sophomore at 125 pounds was 26-11, placing fifth at state. Moving up to 145 pounds as a junior, Willson earned a state championship at 145 pounds and held a 38-2 record. His final prep season, Willson went 40-1 on his way to another state title at 160 pounds.
On the mat, hes good defensively. Hes hard to take down, Ray said. Hes hard to score on. Hes a solid mat wrestler. He wrestles hard on all areas of the mat.
Carrying a 3.3 grade point average into graduation, Willson will major in education at Northern.
Hes another good Montana kid. Good grades, a good individual overall, Ray said.
He is the son of Larry and Belinda Willson of Shepherd.
