By Tiffany L. Rehbein
The MSU-Northern Lights wrestling program has signed two athletes to national letters of intent to wrestle next season, announced head coach David Ray.
Wesley Barrett is a two-time state champion from Colstrip and a transfer from Bozeman.
"He's real tough on his feet," Ray said. "He is real solid."
Barrett boasted a three-year career record of 106-12 at Colstrip High School. He was also ranked 18th in USA Wrestling Magazine.
At 105 pounds during his sophomore year in high school, Barrett finished the season 33-3 and was a state champion in the weight class.
During his junior year at 112 pounds, he finished the season 38-3 in dual matches and was again a state champion.
During his senior year at 125 pounds, Barrett finished the season 35-6 and posted a fourth-place state finish.
"He needs to work on bottom," Ray said. "Even he admits that."
Barrett competed at Northern State (S.D.) where he wrestled at 133 pounds and finished first at Dakota Weslyn and fifth at San Diego State University in dual matches.
At 125 pounds, he finished second at a dual match in Minnesota-Morris.
He posted a 10-3 record at college.
"He is solid, strong," Ray said. "He has a good heart and good spirit. Academically, he is very sound and solid."
He is the son of Wade and Corrie Barrett of Colstrip. The 5-foot-5 grappler might compete at 125 pounds for Northern, Ray said.
Kris LaBrie is a three-time state champion from Malta.
The 5-foot-9 wrestler competed at 135 pounds and posted a 31-5 record during his sophomore year. He had 21 pins that season.
During his junior year, LaBrie posted a 39-5 record and recorded 30 pins.
As a senior, he had 26 pins and finished the season 33-1.
"He is good on his feet and good on the mat," Ray said.
During the past three years, LaBrie had a 101-11 record and boasts an overall record of 131-22 with 96 pins.
"His record speaks for itself and how good he is," Ray said. "He is very intense. He is more intense than most all of them combined."
LaBrie might redshirt during his first season in order to grow into a higher weight class, Ray said. Although he will probably start at 141 pounds, by his senior year he should be at 149 or 157, Ray said.
