Argos overpower Lights on the mat in Great Falls

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News [email protected]

The young and talented Montana State University-Northern wrestling program came into the season ranked No. 12, but on Thursday night the Lights were tested by the No. 4 ranked University of Great Falls Argos. On Thursday night, the Argos continued to find success against the Lights. And while playing host, the Argos defeated the Lights 35-9 at the McLaughlin Center in Great Falls. Lights senior, Austin Ouelette, ranked third at 174 pounds was out with an injury, but the Lights still found some success. Sophomore and No. 2 in the nation Evan Hinebauch didn't disappoint. And his much anticipated matchup with UGF's Michael French who is ranked third in the nation was the matchup of the evening. The 184-pound bout took six overtime rounds before a winner was decided. And after the extended match, it was Hinebauch earning the 5-3 decision. Hinebauch and French have already waged several classic battles over the two seasons, and Thursday night's might have been the best of them so far. The duo countered each other all night in what turned out to be a technical bout of endurance. Hinebauch and French are now even at one win apiece against each other this season. The Lights only other wins also came by way of decision. At 141 and 285 pounds, Steven Quesada earned a 5-4 decision in what was another great match over Jason Costello and Jim Eavenson earned a 5-4 decision over Paden Jenkins in the heavyweight bout. UGF came into Thursday night's dual with seven nationally-ranked wrestlers, while MSU-N has three, and only two competed on Thursday night. UGF made up plenty of ground in the lower weights. In the remaining matchups, the Lights were turned out by the Argos by way of decision, pin, forfeit and technical fall. At 125 pounds, Brian Borst defeated Chase Dirden 21-5, at 133, former Havre High standout Myles Mazurkiewicz, defeated Sean Costello 6-4 and at 197 pounds, second-ranked Alex Calvi defeated No. 8 Evan Mattingly 4-0. At 174-pounds Brendon DeCock won by forfeit. And at 149 pounds, former Light Byron Kuylen pinned Joe Drinkwater, (:16). At 157 pounds, Ross Mosher pinned Tay Todd (2:45) and at 165 pounds, Michael Hader pinned Jim Smith (1:13). But even though MSU-N came away with just nine points against its Great Falls rival, the dual could have been much closer, with several Lights going the distance and Northern missing Ouelette in the lineup. Now coming off of a 27-15 loss to Northwest College in Powell, Wyo., and the loss to the Argos in Great Falls, the Lights will travel to Spokane for the Spokane Open on Saturday.