Lights compete at Reno T.O.C

After crushing arch rival Southern Oregon in the Raiders’ own gym, Montana State University-Northern finished 2018 by taking its shot against the best of the best.

Last Thursday, the third-ranked Lights finished the 2018 part of their schedule by taking part in the Reno Tournament of Champions in Reno, Nevada. The tournament, considered one of the best in collegiate wrestling, featured a slew of NCAA Division I powers, including champion Oklahoma State, but even with the stiff competition, the Lights held their own.

Especially holding his own was sophomore 197-pounder Andrew Bartel, who finsihed fourth in the elite tournament. Bartel’s lone losses came in the semifinals and in the consolation final, both against ranked NCAA opponents.

Bartel’s strong effort helped vault the Lights into a finish in the Top 20. Northern was one of just a handful of NAIA teams in the field, but again, head coach Tyson Thivierge’s team didn’t shy away from the competition.

Sophomore Nick Kunz reached the quarterfinals at 125 pounds, and wound up going 3-2 on the day, while Rob Pair also went 2-2 at 125 and Brandon Weber went 2-2 at 157 pounds. Junior Chris Nile also won twice in the event, going 2-2 on the day, while Chase Short (174), Andrew Bartel (165), Landon Bailey (133) and Keiton Keller (133) each captured at least one win in Reno.

Now, Northern will be off into the new year. The Lights return to action when they host NCAA DII Minot State in a special dual Jan. 10 in Forsyth. The Lights have one more night at home this season, coming Jan. 24 when they host Northwest College and Dickinson State in a double dual.