Your future, our focus
Trappers Face Great Falls, MSU-Northern This Week
By DAVID DICKEY
Powell Tribune Sports Editor
The Northwest College wrestling team returned to the mats Monday after getting a much-needed break from practice and competition last week. And according to NWC head coach Jim Zeigler, the down time should have his squad fresh and energized for its upcoming road swing through Montana.
The Trappers, who have endured a series of dual meets and tournaments since Nov. 3, last competed Nov. 18 at the University of Northern Colorado Open. They'll resume competition Friday, Nov. 30, against the University of Great Falls at 7 p.m. in Great Falls. The following day, the Trappers will square off against Montana State University- Northern in a 7:30 p.m. match in Havre. During the initial meeting between NWC and MSU-Northern in Powell Nov.
15, NWC posted a 31-21 win.
"Great Falls has a very good team, and I'm sure MSU-Northern hasn't forgotten what we did to them here," Zeigler said. "It's going to be a tough trip."
The good news for the Trappers is they are returning to full strength after injuries to a number of key wrestlers. Nathan Barzee, a returning sophomore at 197, returned to practice this week after being sidelined by a dislocated elbow.
Zeigler said Barzee's dedication during his rehabilitation stint could translate into a start as early as next week. However, he said Barzee's situation will be watched closely before making that decision. In the meantime, Zeigler said it's a boost to the team to simply have the All- American back in the practice room.
"Getting him back is big," Zeigler said. "Nathan brings something extra to practice each day. He's got a great attitude and a lot of leadership qualities that will help us."
Also back in the lineup is redshirt freshman Josh Clark. The 184-pounder has not wrestled competitively since suffering a blow to the head and a cut on his scalp during NWC's match with MSU-Northern earlier this month.
Zeigler also noted that several Trappers are in the process of moving to different weight classes. Among those making moves are Anthony Varnell from 149 to 141, Travis Lamborn from 157 to 149, Keenen Funk from 165 to 157 and Corey Green from 184 to 174. Those changes in weight divisions could come as early as next week when the Trappers entertain Western
Wyoming Community College Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. When those two squads face off in Hank Cabre Gymnasium on NWC Spirit Night, the Trappers will be looking to avenge loss to the Mustangs in a dual in Rock Springs Nov. 8. That setback was just the second to the Mustangs in a dual meet since Zeigler took over the NWC wrestling program during the early 1990s.