Your future, our focus
Dual meet is slated for 7:30 p.m. today (Thursday)
BY DAVID DICKEY
Tribune Sports Editor
For the first time since Nov. 20, the Northwest College wrestling team will compete at home when they entertain the University of Great Falls today (Thursday) at 7:30 p.m. in Hank Cabre Gymnasium in Powell.
This week's matchup with the Argos comes less than a week after NWC opened the 2009 portion of its season at the Utah Valley Open in Orem, Utah. During that event, Trapper heavyweight Landon Harris notched a first-place performance. McCade Ford, Briston Brenton and Mak Jones also placed in that tournament. Ford finished second at 141, and Brenton and Jones each took fourth in the 157- and 197-pound weight classes, respectively.
Unfortunately for the Trappers, they will face the Argos with a roster depleted by attrition. According to Jim Zeigler, NWC head coach and athletic director, the Trappers will give up forfeits at 165 and 184. That will continue to be the case through the rest of the season.
"Against Great Falls, we'll be focusing on individual matches," Zeigler said. "We'll put eight healthy wrestlers out there and see what they can do. It's tough enough to face a four-year school. It makes it that much harder when you are giving up two weight classes."
NWC currently has two wrestlers ranked in the latest NJCAA wrestling rankings, which were released Jan. 5. Sophomore Anthony Varnell is ranked seventh at 149. Harris checks in at No. 4 in the heavyweight division. In the team standings, NWC is tied for the 15th spot with Ellsworth Community College.
UGF will enter the dual meet ranked No. 3 in the latest NAIA rankings. Overall, the Argos have six wrestlers ranked nationally, including Ryan Mosher (No.3 at 157), Brendon DeCock (No. 3 at 174), Michael French (No. 2 at 184), Alex Calvi (No. 2 at 197), Scott Lucas (No. 7 at 197) and Brad Fraser (No. 6 at heavyweight).