MSU-N Winter Sports 2017

8

MSU-Northern

October 2017

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Wrestling: Thivierge at the helm of the Lights ■ From Page 5 pounds.

“Isaac Bartel is a guy who is going to turn some heads,” Thivierge said. “He’s so strong. He reminds me a lot of (Garret) DeMers. He’s strong, he’s big, but he’ll get down low and take shots. He’s going to open some eyes for sure.

“We have a great group of new guys,” Thivierge continued. “I’m really excited about all those guys and what they can bring to this team.”

Of course, new faces can also come with some growing pains, and Northern’s schedule will certainly test both the veterans and newcomers. The Lights wrestle at tough tournaments like the Cowboy Open, The Battle of the Rockies, the Reno T.O.C. and the Missouri Valley Invitational. Two duals against the University of Providence (formerly UGF) are also the highlight of Northern’s dual campaign, but the Lights also take on Warner Pacific, Southern Oregon and Embry-Riddle at home in conference duals, as well as travel to Eastern Oregon and North Idaho, as well as Dickinson State and the Argo Duals among others.

“I’ve always trained my teams to be tournament teams,” Thivierge said. “There’s no national championship for duals. Sure, we want to win every dual, we want to win ev-

ery time we’re on the mat, but I have always stressed being a good tournament team. I want our guys to support each other, feed off each other, be matside when we’re wrestling, pick each other up. You want to be build towards the national tournament because that tournament, that’s always our goal.”

And even with a young team, that will be the goal again this season. The Lights always go into February and March competing for hardware, and they’ll be shooting for it again when the Cascade Conference Qualifier rolls around Feb. 17 in Ashland, Oregon.

There, they’ll try and punch as many tickets as they can to the 2018 NAIA national tournament, which is set for March 2-3 in Des Moines, Iowa.

“This is shaping up to be a really fun team,” Thivierge said. “We have so much potential. It’s very exciting. I know a lot of people don’t look at us as a national championship contender right now, and that’s OK. But I believe this team will really turn some heads this season, and they can accomplish great things. They work hard, they are a tight group and they are hungry. Those are all thing you need to be a good team, and we have all of that in our room. So I’m really looking forward to seeing what these guys can do.”

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Montana State University-Northern

Winter Sports Schedules Lights Basketball November Nov. 1

Nov. 3

Nov. 11

Nov. 17

Nov. 18

Nov. 20

Nov. 24

Nov. 25

at Montana State University (Exhibition) Bozeman, MT - TBA at Salish Kootenai College Pablo, MT - TBA vs. SAGU American Indian C. Havre, MT - 3:00 pm at Oregon Institute of Tech Klamath Falls, OR - 7:30 pm at Southern Oregon Univ.

Klamath Falls, OR - 3:00 pm at Portland Bible College Portland, OR - TBA vs. Salish Kootenai College Havre, MT - 6:00 pm vs. Valley City State Univ.

Havre, MT - 6:00 pm December

Dec. 1

vs. Rocky Mountain College Havre, MT - 8:00 pm

Dec. 2

Dec. 7

Dec. 15

Dec. 29

Dec. 30

vs. Carroll College Havre, MT - 8:00 pm vs. Yellowstone Christian Coll Havre, MT - 7:00 pm vs. Nueta Hidatsa College Havre, MT - 8:00 pm vs. Concordia University Havre, MT - 7:00 pm vs. Concordia University Havre, MT - 3:30 pm January

Jan. 2

Jan. 4

Jan. 11

Jan. 13

Jan. 17

Jan. 20

vs. University of Providence Havre, MT - 8:00 pm at Montana Tech Butte, MT - 7:30 pm at Lewis-Clark State College Lewiston, ID - 7:30 pm at Montana-Western Dillon, MT - 7:30 pm at University of Providence Great Falls, MT - 7:30 pm vs. Montana Tech

Jan. 26

Jan. 27

Havre, MT - 8:00 pm vs. Lewis-Clark State College Havre, MT - 8:00 pm vs. University of MT-Western Havre, MT - 8:00 pm February

Feb. 1

Feb. 3

Feb. 8

Feb. 10

Feb. 16

Feb. 17

Feb. 21

Feb. 23

at Rocky Mountain Billings, MT - 7:30 pm at Carroll College Helena, MT - 7:30 pm at University of MT-Western Dillon, MT - 7:30 pm at Lewis-Clark State College Lewiston, ID - 7:30 pm vs. Carroll College Havre, MT - 8:00 pm vs. Rocky Mountain College Havre, MT - 8:00 pm vs. University of Providence Havre, MT - 8:00 pm at Montana Tech Butte, MT - 7:30 pm

Jan. 20

Jan. 26

Jan. 27

Great Falls, MT - 5:30 pm vs. Montana Tech Havre, MT - 6:00 pm vs. Lewis-Clark State College Havre, MT - 6:00 pm vs. University of MT-Western Havre, MT - 6:00 pm

Skylights Basketball December

October Oct. 27

vs. Dickinson State Univ.

Havre, MT - 5:00 pm November

Nov. 3

Nov. 6

Nov. 11

Nov. 12

Nov. 18

Nov. 19

Nov. 24 Nov. 25

at Salish Kootenai College Pablo, MT - 5:00 pm at Dickinson State Univ.

Dickinson, ND - 5:00 pm vs. Northwest University Great Falls, MT - 5:30 pm vs. San Diego Christian Coll.

Havre, MT - 4:00 pm at Colorado Mesa Univ.

(Exhibition) St. George, UT - 6:00 pm at Dixie State University (Exhibition) St. George, UT - 6:00 pm Rotary Classic - Jackson, TN Rotary Classic - Jackson, TN

Dec. 1

Dec. 2

Dec. 15

Dec. 16

Dec. 29

Dec. 30

vs. Rocky Mountain College Havre, MT - 6:00 pm vs. Carroll College Havre, MT - 6:00 pm vs. Nueta Hidatsa College Havre, MT - 7:00 pm vs. Nueta Hidatsa College Havre, MT - 7:00 pm vs. Concordia University Havre, MT - 6:00 pm vs. Our Lady of the Lake Havre, MT - 5:30 pm January

Jan. 2

Jan. 4

Jan. 11

Jan. 13

Jan. 17

vs. University of Providence Havre, MT - 6:00 pm at Montana Tech Butte, MT - 5:30 pm at Lewis-Clark State College Lewiston, ID - 5:30 pm at Montana-Western Dillon, MT - 5:30 pm at University of Providence

February Feb. 1

Feb. 3

Feb. 8

Feb. 10

Feb. 16

Feb. 17

Feb. 21

Feb. 23

at Rocky Mountain Billings, MT - 5:30 pm at. Carroll College Helena, MT - 5:30 pm at University of MT-Western Dillon, MT - 5:30 pm at Lewis Clark State College Lewiston, ID - 5:30 pm vs. Carroll College Havre, MT - 6:00 pm vs. Rocky Mountain College Havre, MT - 6:00 pm vs. University of Providence Havre, MT - 6:00 pm at Montana Tech Butte, MT - 5:30 pm

Jan. 20

at Missouri Valley College Marshall, MO

Lights Wrestling November Nov. 4 at Cowboy Open

Laramie, WY - 9:00 am Nov. 8 at Univ. of Providence

Great Falls, MT - 7:00 pm Nov. 12 at Trapper Open

Powell, WY - 9:00 am Nov. 16 vs. Warner Pacific College

Havre, MT - 7:00 pm Nov. 19 at Spokane Open

Spokane, WA - 9:00 am

December Dec. 1

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Brennon Veis, right, is one of many younger wrestlers on the Lights team who will have a big impact on the 2017-18 season.

Battle of the Rockies Open Great Falls, MT - 9:00 am

Dec. 9

Dec. 14

Dec. 17

at North Idaho College Coeur D' Alene, ID - 7:00 pm at Eastern Oregon Univ.

La Grande, OR - 7:00 pm Reno Tournament of Champs Reno, NV - 9:00 am January

Jan. 4

Jan. 12

Jan. 13

Jan. 19

vs. Southern Oregon Univ.

Havre, MT - 7:00 pm at Dickinson State Duals Dickinson, ND - 7:00 pm at Tyler Plummer CLassic Dickinson, ND - 9:00 am at Missouri Valley College Marshall, MO

February Feb. 3

Feb. 7

Feb. 17

vs. Embry Riddle Havre, MT - 7:00 pm vs. University of Providence Havre, MT - 7:00 pm West National Qualifier Ashland, OR - 9:00 am March

March 2-3 NAIA National

Championship

Des Moines, IA - All Day

2

October 2017

MSU-Northern

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

MSU-Northern

www.havredailynews.com

Skylights look to keep the magic Northern women work hard to keep momentum going George Ferguson

Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com To say the last four seasons have been, for the Montana State University-Northern women’s basketball team, anything but glorious would be putting it mildly. The Skylights have enjoyed a run of success many college programs only dream about.

Northern, under longtime head coach Chris Mouat, has gone to and won games at the NAIA national tournament for the last four years, including last season when the Skylights played for the Frontier Conference championship, then went to Billings and reached the NAIA Sweet 16.

In that stretch, they’ve also had multiple NAIA All-Americans, and numerous Frontier Conference awards.

Yes, there’s no denying the run has been nothing short of spectacular.

But change is inevitable in basketball, and the 2017-18 Skylights are going to go through their share of changes. That’s what happens when you lose three-time All-American and MSU-N all-time leading scorer Natalee Faupel, as well as proven veterans like Molly Kreycik, Sierra Richards (2017 AC) and Cydney Auzenne (2016 AC) in one graduation. Combined, that foursome accounted for 47 points and 21 rebounds per game during last year’s 24-9 season, which resulted in a runner-up finish in the Frontier tournament, as well as a close loss to Vanguard University in the Sweet 16.

However, as much as the Skylights lost in the spring, Mouat, now in his 13th year at Northern, says expectations and goals remain unchanged. That’s the nature of the beast

when you have developed a program of excellence like he has with the Skylights.

“We did lose a lot,” Mouat said. “In terms of experience in our program, points, rebounds, assists, defense, all of it. We have some huge holes to fill, and we’re going to be realistic about that. But we also have great returning kids who have taken on great leadership roles with this team. We have 13 kids on this team who are embracing what it means to be a Skylight, on and off the court, and they are working hard to continue the success that this program has had, not just in my time, but for years, and years now.”

The loss of Faupel is particularly glaring.

She was a once-in-a-generation player who dominated the Frontier Conference, literally from her freshman season on. And overall, Northern must replace four starters, as well as a top reserve in Katie Fertterer, who left the program to concentrate on school full time.

But because of the great program Mouat has built, the cupboard is by no means bare.

Senior Jacy Thompson (5-8) a former AllAmerican, three-time All-Conference performer, and a past Frontier Defensive Player of the Year returns. And with a career average of 12 ppg, as well as still being an incredible lockdown defender, Thompson will be one of the focal points of the MSU-N squad this season.

Also back is senior Brandy Lambourne (5-5). The former Blue Pony has patiently waited and learned behind Kreycik for three seasons and is ready to step into a much bigger role as MSU-N’s point guard. The return of junior Peyton Filius (5-6), another Blue Pony star, and sophomore Shiloh McCormick (5-9), who blossomed at the end of last season, will also be critical for the Skylights this winter, while getting back senior Kealani Sagapolu (5-11), who missed almost all of last year with a knee injury, is also a big plus for the Skylights moving forward.

“We’ve got a lot of experience and

■ See Skylights Page 7 Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Brandy Lambourne is one of three returning seniors for the Montana State UniversityNorthern women's basketball team. The Skylights have gone to four straight NAIA national tournaments.

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WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Skylights: Northern women have the talent ■ From Page 2 leadership in that group,” Mouat said. “Kids that understand our program, have been in our program for a long time. Jacy is healthier than she has been in a long time. She battled through a lot of pain last year, and she has a lot more bounce in her step. Brandy has worked really hard on her game. She’s stronger than she’s ever been. I think Peyton and Shiloh have also really improved a ton in the offseason. They are going to have really big roles on this team, and they are both ready for those roles. And getting Kealani back is really big. She’s worked really hard to come back from her injury, and she’s really coming along. Having her back in the post will be big for us.

“But what really stands out with that group the most,” Mouat continued. “Is their leadership. They do such a great job leading by example and through hard work. I’m really proud of all of them for that.”

While Northern’s key returners will be instrumental in helping the Skylights maintain their place among the Frontier’s elite, new faces will also need to emerge. Northern brought in three junior college post players in Jessica Curl (6-1), Lily Hilderbrand (5-10) and Hazel Hill (6-1). Curl is an elite prospect, having averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds per game at Butte CC in California last year.

Also adding to the post presence will be former Browning star Tiara Gilham (5-10), who transferred from UM-Western, and will be eligible to play in December.

“The junior college players we brought in, they all add depth to the post, which is something we needed,” Mouat said. “They all have size, they can rebound and score on the block. Tiara is another really great addition to our program. I’m really looking forward to watching her play.”

Gilham is also part of a five-member freshman class that represents the future of the Northern program. Havre High’s Naomi Terry (5-5), Fairfield’s Allix Goldhahn (5-9), Columbia Falls’ Peyton Kehr (5-9) and Jillian Gilchrist (5-6), from Rupert, Idaho, make up

the freshman class. And while Mouat still isn’t set on who will play this season and who will redshirt, he’s excited about the group as a whole.

“All of the true freshmen are doing a great job,” Mouat said. “They all bring something to the table. They are a great group, and they are going to be a huge part of our future, and possibly the near future. I’m really excited about that entire group.”

Up and down Northern’s lineup, there’s plenty to be excited about. But on both ends of the floor this season, the Skylights will have to learn on the go, and it will be a process, Mouat said, even calling it a slow process.

“Right now, it’s a lot of learning and teaching,” Mouat said. “Defensively, we have expectations of what we want to be. For some it’s been an adjustment because a lot of them played only zone, and we play a lot of man.

But we are again going to put a huge emphasis on defense and rebounding, that’s always big for us.

“Offensively, again, it’s a lot of teaching, and we have growing to do. We lost a ton of scoring, but we also have kids who have been in our program and know what we want to do.

So again, it’s a process, but I also think we have a chance to be a really good perimeter shooting team. This group shoots the three really well. And we have the players to get up and down the floor in transition. So those are things we’ll really look to keep improving on.

Again, it’s all a process right now, and it’s going to take time. It’s even a slow process. But the kids are picking it all up and doing a great job. We haven’t had what I would call one bad practice.”

The learning and growing process will certainly be a tough one at times, given Northern’s always difficult non-conference schedule. Mouat has always been a believer in challenging his teams with a tough nonconference slate, and this fall will be no different.

Early on, the Skylights will play rival Dickinson State twice, as well as a tough

Northwest Washington team in Great Falls.

GSAC member San Diego Christian also comes to Havre, while northern plays two exhibition games against NCAA DII’s Colorado Mesa and Dixie State. And for good measure, the Skylights will round out November with a second straight trip to the Rotary Classic in Jackson, Tennessee, where they’ll play two teams in the NAIA Top 25. MSU-N also plays Nueta Hidatsa and Salish Kootenai College in non-conference play, before rounding out the year with the Duck Inn Classic. That tournament includes a home game against NAIA powerhouse Our Lady of The Lake of Texas, which many predict to be one of the top teams in all of the NAIA. So needless to say, this new-look Skylight team will be in the fire, well before Frontier play begins with home games against Rocky Mountain College and Carroll College, Dec. 1-2, and before league play starts for good Jan. 2 against the University of Providence.

“The schedule is tough,” Mouat said.

“There’s a lot of games that are going to really show us where we’re at and where we need to get to. The games against Dickinson State, San Diego Christian and the two exhibition games, those are all going to be extremely difficult games. And having Our Lady of Lake come to Havre, who might be the number one team in the country by then, that’s a game we’ve really been looking forward to. That will be an exciting one for sure, and that one, plus the two games in Jackson (Tennessee), those will be great measuring sticks for us.”

Indeed. Northern will get plenty of measuring stick games early on. And with such a new team, there will no doubt be growing pains. However, the Skylights under Mouat have built an incredible tradition of winning in, and out of, the Frontier Conference.

They’ve finished in the top half of the league standings in each of the last five seasons, and have a chance to make it five straight trips to the national tournament, which will again be held in Billings this March. And while accomplishing any of that won’t be easy, no one should be surprised if the Skylights do just that.

“There’s a great tradition here,” Mouat said. “And it started long before I got here.

October 2017

7

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson MSU-Northern junior Peyton Filius will have a crucial role on the Skylights team this season.

And our kids are learning what it means to be a Skylight, on the court, on campus and in the community. This team wants to have their spot in that tradition. So the expectations in that sense are still there. But where this team is different is, because we lost so much, they’re going to have to go out and show people they can get it done, and that, despite the losses, we can continue to be where we want to be as a program.

“So for right now, our goals are to continue to grow, learn and play as well as we can play in the non-conference, and get as ready as we can for what will be another brutal year in the Frontier (Conference). Yes, we want to get back to Billings and accomplish all those things, but this process will take time, and we’re going to be realistic about our goals but still have high expectations at the same time.”

6

MSU-Northern

October 2017

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Lights: MSU-Northern hoops continues to thrive ■ From Page 3 and Caulin Bakalarski (6-3) each averaged over 20 ppg at Walla Walla Community College last year, and both are do-it-all type guards who will give the Lights an explosive punch on the perimeter. Huse also added some bulk, too, with Paco Jones (6-5) and Anthony Harper (6-5). Jones, a senior, transferred from NW Oklahoma State and is a talented wing player who can go inside and out, while Harper comes from Green River Community College, where he averaged 10 points and eight rebounds per outing. Freshman guard James Fry (6-4) rounds out Northern’s 2017-18 season roster.

“The first thing that jumps out at you about the group of new guys is they are really showing how excited they are to be here, to be Lights,” Huse said. “They are showing how much it means to them to play for Northern, to be a part of this program, this campus and this community.

“And they’re also showing how productive they’re going to be,” Huse continued. “This group is going to be productive in a lot of different ways. They are all unselfish, they can shoot the three, they can create plays on both ends of the floor. That entire group brings a lot to this team.”

Of course, under Huse, productivity starts with defense and hustle. Northern has been at or near the top of the Frontier Conference in scoring and field goal defense for a decade now, and that’s unlikely to change this season. Defense is where Northern hangs its hat, and with so much talent and athleticism, the Lights should once again be a defense juggernaut.

Offensively, MSU-N will be one of the most balanced teams again this season, thanks in large part to Reeves patrolling the paint. With a dominant force like Reeves in the middle, and plenty of talent spread across the floor, the Lights could be very tough to defend.

“One of the things about this team, on both ends of floor, that they’re already showing, is their ability to compete and fight hard,” Huse said. “We had an intra-squad scrimmage, and

one team went way up, and the other team fought right back. It went back and forth that way the entire scrimmage, and that showed me how hard our guys are playing, and how much they’re willing to fight. No one wanted to give in in that scrimmage.

“I also think, offensively, we have a lot of weapons on this team,” he added. “You’re going to see that when one guy is maybe not having his best night, we have others who can step up and pick him up and carry the load.

We have some really nice weapons on this team, and that’s exciting.”

Northern will need those weapons when it comes to Frontier Conference play, but, in order for the Lights to get ready for the rigors of the league and go after a conference championship, the Lights also have a non-conference schedule that should prepare them to do just that.

Right out of the gates, MSU-N will take a trip to Bozeman to face the Montana State Bobcats in an exhibition game. The Cats have one of the most talented scorers in all of the NCAA in junior Tyler Hall, so MSU-N’s defense will be tested immediately. A three-game road swing in Oregon, with games against Oregon Tech and Southern Oregon, will also be difficult matchups for the Lights, while MSU-N also has a full slate of home tilts this fall, including the AmericInn Thanksgiving Classic, where a good Valley City State squad will be in attendance. MSU-N wraps up non-conference play at the end December with back-to-back games against Concordia of Alberta. Other home games for the Lights include Nueta Hidatsa, SAGU (Great Falls), Salish Kootenai College and Yellowstone Christian.

“Our pre-season schedule is a good one,” Huse said. “I think this team will be in a position to win and compete in every one of those games. There will be some very challenging ones. Southern Oregon and Oregon Tech are two very good teams. I think Valley City State will be tough. Of course, playing Montana State in an exhibition game will be a great test for us to find out where we’re at. So I think our early schedule, we’re going to find out a lot

about ourselves, and that’s what we want.”

As is the norm now, Northern also plays two early-December Frontier Conference games.

The Lights host Rocky Mountain College and Carroll College Dec. 1-2, while Frontier play begins for good Jan. 2 against the University of Providence.

And while a Frontier championship and getting to the NAIA national tournament are always top goals for the Lights, for now it’s about continuing to improve, about coming together and about building. But make no mistake, Northern has already been doing

www.havredailynews.com that, and with an exciting and talented roster, this winter will be a fun one for the Northern men.

“I feel like we have a team that has both the ability and the character to compete in and win every game they play,” Huse said. “We have great leadership, we have a great mix of returners and newcomers. We have a group of guys who work really hard, and they enjoy being together and playing together. That’s a recipe for success to me. I’m really excited about this group, and it’s going to be a lot of fun seeing what they do with this season.

MSU-Northern

www.havredailynews.com

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

3

New-look Lights ready to contend Talented Northern men aim to light up the floor this season George Ferguson

Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Charles Porter and the Montana State University-Northern men's basketball team are excited to start the new season. The Lights are hoping to build on last year's fourthplace finish in the Frontier Conference.

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Northern's Justin Dunsmore is a key returning veteran for a Lights squad that figures to be very talented this season.

October 2017

One thing that the Montana State University-Northern Lights have been under head coach Shawn Huse is consistent. Year in and year out, the Lights have always been a team to be dealth with in the Frontier Conference.

A decade of 20-win seasons proves that.

And as the 2017-18 season dawns, it doesn’t appear like that’s going to change. Sure, the Lights will once again have plenty of new faces on the floor this winter, but with Huse at the helm for another year and a program that is built on teamwork, fundamentals and defense, along with plenty of talent, the Lights shouldn’t skip a beat.

“It’s interesting because we do have a really new team in some aspects, a lot of new faces this year,” Huse, who is now in his 16th season at Northern, said. “But with the leadership we have from our returning guys, as far as the team goes, we’re way ahead of where we have been the past few years. This team has come together really quickly. Practices have been great, and everybody on this team has shown they really want to be here, and enjoy playing with each other. So that’s exciting.”

The Lights, who went 21-11 overall a year ago, and 9-9 in the difficult Frontier Conference, will need to continue to build that chemistry, considering MSU-N will likely have five

new players seeing signifigant playing time this season. Northern must also replace solid production from graduated seniors David Straughter, a two-time All-Conference performer, and sharp-shooting Tyler Chandler.

However, MSU-N does have key veterans back this season, many of whom were part of last season’s foundation. And of course, it starts in the middle with 6-10 senior center Ryan Reeves. Now in his third and final year at Northern, Reeves was not only an All-Conference selection last season but, with his two blocks per game, was also named 2017 Frontier Defensive Player of the Year. Reeves also brings back 9.7 ppg and seven rebounds per night, and he is going to be one of the most dominant forces in the paint in the entire Frontier Conference.

Also back for the Lights is junior Justin Dunsmore (6-6) and senior Charles Porter (6-2), who combined for 12 ppg last season.

Sophomores Devin Bray (5-9) and Adam Huse (6-1) return as well, and both will see their roles increase signifigantly this season.

“That group of returners is doing a great job with leadership and with helping the new guys get up to speed,” Huse said, “but, they also all have really worked hard on their game, too.

Justin, Adam and Devin have really stepped up this season, Ryan is going to do what Ryan does, and Charles is really doing a great job of taking on that senior leadership role. So those guys are all doing a great job, and I’m really proud of them.”

Northern fans will also be excited about the new faces in the MSU-N lineup this season.

Junior college transfers Gabe Porter (6-1)

■ See Lights Page 6

4

October 2017

MSU-Northern

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

www.havredailynews.com

Lights ready to dominate on the mat George Ferguson

Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com

A quick glance at the 2017-18 Montana State University-Northern wrestling roster, and something really stands out — and it’s not just that 2017 NAIA national champion Ben Stroh isn’t there anymore.

No, what’s really interesting about these Lights is head coach Tyson Thivierge doesn’t have a single senior on his roster.

But that doesn’t mean the cupboard is bare in the Northern wrestling room — far from it in fact. And while the Lights may be young this winter, they don’t lack in talent or experience.

“We have some proven guys, but we’re a young team,” the veteran Thivierge said, as Northern prepares to begin a brand new season. “Our roster numbers are lower than I’d like, but at the same time, this is already one of the most fun teams I’ve ever coached. They work their tails off, and they’ve meshed together as quickly as any team I’ve ever had.

They go to dinner together, they hang out, they support each other and they push each other. So far, they’ve been an absolute blast to coach, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what they can do this season.”

Northern will certainly miss the services of Stroh, and heavyweight Taylor Kornoely,

two key components of a squad that finished eighth at last year’s NAIA national tournament. However, MSU-N’s exciting finish last season included Brandon Weber’s run to the 157-pound title, and he returns for his junior season, not just as a national champion, but also one of the key leaders in Thivierge’s room.

“Brandon is in an elite group now,” Thivierge said. “Not many guys get the opportunity to become a multiple-time national champion. He’s always been confident, but right now, he’s exploding with confidence.

He’s hungry and he’s confident, but also, he’s become a real leader for us.”

Brandon’s brother Matt is also back at 141 pounds for the Lights. The junior has spent much of his career ranked in the NAIA, and was an All-American two years ago. But injuries slowed him down last season.

“Matt’s back,” Thivierge said. “It’s as simple as that. He got away from wrestling a bit this summer, and it was good for him.

He’s healthy both mentally and physically.

He’s ready.”

Another junior, Andrew Bartel, is also full of promise. A national qualifier his freshman season, Bartel had an up-anddown campaign last winter. But, with so much experience under his belt, Northern’s 165-pound spot is in good hands.

“Andrew has all the potential in the

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Brandon Weber, right, won an NAIA national championship last year for the Montana State University-Northern Lights. Now, and he the Lights are ready to embark on a brand new wrestling campaign.

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MSU-Northern

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Wrestling: Northern has weapons yet again world,” Thivierge said. “And I really believe this is going to be his breakout year. I really believe he’s ready to take that next step.”

A host of sophomores who all saw varsity time a year ago will also need to take the next step to help the Lights remain as one of the top programs, not just in the newly-formed Cascade Conference (West Region), but as an elite NAIA program.

At 125 pounds, Rob Pair was Northern’s starter a season ago, and he will man that spot again this season. Then there are twins Dylan and Brennon Veis, who wrestled varsity as true freshmen last season. Dylan could see time all the way up at 149 this season, while Brennon will man a spot at 133.

“They are both so competitive, and they hate to lose,” Thivierge said of the Veis twins.

“They are full of fire.”

Another sophomore with a ton of potential is Steeler French, who also competed for the Lights as a true freshman. French went back-and-forth between 184 and 197 pounds last season, but looks to be solid this year at 184.

“Steeler is stronger and more mature,” Thivierge said. “Last year was tough because we asked him to wrestle two different weights.

But he also gained a ton of experience, and, he had so many close matches that could have gone his way. So all of that experience is really going to benefit him this season.”

Northern has always been strong in the upper weights, and while losses like Stroh and Kornoely hurt, the Lights have a new-

comer who will certainly pack an immediate punch in the upper weights. At 174 pounds, Boise State transfer Chris Nile will impact the Lights’ lineup immediately. Nile was a star at Forsyth, before wrestling at Boise State until they dropped wrestling. He spent last year as an assistant coach at Billings Skyview.

“We expect Chris to impact us immediately,” Thivierge said. “He’s had a year away, but he’s extremely talented — another Forsyth kid. I think that year coaching at Skyview was really good for him, and he’s going to have a big impact on our team, on the mat, and as a leader in the room.”

Nile is just one of many fresh faces that will be on the mat for the Lights this season.

Thivierge said he’s very excited about North Idaho transfer Landon Bailey at 133 pounds, Great Falls High freshmen Chase Short (174) and Rylan Moldenhauer (184), as well as Nick Kunz, a true freshman from Helena, who will compete at 125 pounds.

And there’s exciting prospect Isaac Bartel, the younger brother of Andrew. An Iowa state champion, Bartel will wrestle at 197 pounds and is one of four Lights who will compete to solidify Northern’s upper-most weights. Transfer Jake Ferris could be a potential heavyweight, as is freshman Jeremy Smith, while junior Dace Fisher brings plenty of returning experience to the table at 197

■ See Wrestling Page 8

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Andrew Bartel, right, is a key returning member of the MSU-Northern wrestling team. The Lights will have four home duals this season.

October 2017

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October 2017

MSU-Northern

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

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Lights ready to dominate on the mat George Ferguson

Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com

A quick glance at the 2017-18 Montana State University-Northern wrestling roster, and something really stands out — and it’s not just that 2017 NAIA national champion Ben Stroh isn’t there anymore.

No, what’s really interesting about these Lights is head coach Tyson Thivierge doesn’t have a single senior on his roster.

But that doesn’t mean the cupboard is bare in the Northern wrestling room — far from it in fact. And while the Lights may be young this winter, they don’t lack in talent or experience.

“We have some proven guys, but we’re a young team,” the veteran Thivierge said, as Northern prepares to begin a brand new season. “Our roster numbers are lower than I’d like, but at the same time, this is already one of the most fun teams I’ve ever coached. They work their tails off, and they’ve meshed together as quickly as any team I’ve ever had.

They go to dinner together, they hang out, they support each other and they push each other. So far, they’ve been an absolute blast to coach, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what they can do this season.”

Northern will certainly miss the services of Stroh, and heavyweight Taylor Kornoely,

two key components of a squad that finished eighth at last year’s NAIA national tournament. However, MSU-N’s exciting finish last season included Brandon Weber’s run to the 157-pound title, and he returns for his junior season, not just as a national champion, but also one of the key leaders in Thivierge’s room.

“Brandon is in an elite group now,” Thivierge said. “Not many guys get the opportunity to become a multiple-time national champion. He’s always been confident, but right now, he’s exploding with confidence.

He’s hungry and he’s confident, but also, he’s become a real leader for us.”

Brandon’s brother Matt is also back at 141 pounds for the Lights. The junior has spent much of his career ranked in the NAIA, and was an All-American two years ago. But injuries slowed him down last season.

“Matt’s back,” Thivierge said. “It’s as simple as that. He got away from wrestling a bit this summer, and it was good for him.

He’s healthy both mentally and physically.

He’s ready.”

Another junior, Andrew Bartel, is also full of promise. A national qualifier his freshman season, Bartel had an up-anddown campaign last winter. But, with so much experience under his belt, Northern’s 165-pound spot is in good hands.

“Andrew has all the potential in the

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Brandon Weber, right, won an NAIA national championship last year for the Montana State University-Northern Lights. Now, and he the Lights are ready to embark on a brand new wrestling campaign.

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MSU-Northern

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Wrestling: Northern has weapons yet again world,” Thivierge said. “And I really believe this is going to be his breakout year. I really believe he’s ready to take that next step.”

A host of sophomores who all saw varsity time a year ago will also need to take the next step to help the Lights remain as one of the top programs, not just in the newly-formed Cascade Conference (West Region), but as an elite NAIA program.

At 125 pounds, Rob Pair was Northern’s starter a season ago, and he will man that spot again this season. Then there are twins Dylan and Brennon Veis, who wrestled varsity as true freshmen last season. Dylan could see time all the way up at 149 this season, while Brennon will man a spot at 133.

“They are both so competitive, and they hate to lose,” Thivierge said of the Veis twins.

“They are full of fire.”

Another sophomore with a ton of potential is Steeler French, who also competed for the Lights as a true freshman. French went back-and-forth between 184 and 197 pounds last season, but looks to be solid this year at 184.

“Steeler is stronger and more mature,” Thivierge said. “Last year was tough because we asked him to wrestle two different weights.

But he also gained a ton of experience, and, he had so many close matches that could have gone his way. So all of that experience is really going to benefit him this season.”

Northern has always been strong in the upper weights, and while losses like Stroh and Kornoely hurt, the Lights have a new-

comer who will certainly pack an immediate punch in the upper weights. At 174 pounds, Boise State transfer Chris Nile will impact the Lights’ lineup immediately. Nile was a star at Forsyth, before wrestling at Boise State until they dropped wrestling. He spent last year as an assistant coach at Billings Skyview.

“We expect Chris to impact us immediately,” Thivierge said. “He’s had a year away, but he’s extremely talented — another Forsyth kid. I think that year coaching at Skyview was really good for him, and he’s going to have a big impact on our team, on the mat, and as a leader in the room.”

Nile is just one of many fresh faces that will be on the mat for the Lights this season.

Thivierge said he’s very excited about North Idaho transfer Landon Bailey at 133 pounds, Great Falls High freshmen Chase Short (174) and Rylan Moldenhauer (184), as well as Nick Kunz, a true freshman from Helena, who will compete at 125 pounds.

And there’s exciting prospect Isaac Bartel, the younger brother of Andrew. An Iowa state champion, Bartel will wrestle at 197 pounds and is one of four Lights who will compete to solidify Northern’s upper-most weights. Transfer Jake Ferris could be a potential heavyweight, as is freshman Jeremy Smith, while junior Dace Fisher brings plenty of returning experience to the table at 197

■ See Wrestling Page 8

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Andrew Bartel, right, is a key returning member of the MSU-Northern wrestling team. The Lights will have four home duals this season.

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Lights: MSU-Northern hoops continues to thrive ■ From Page 3 and Caulin Bakalarski (6-3) each averaged over 20 ppg at Walla Walla Community College last year, and both are do-it-all type guards who will give the Lights an explosive punch on the perimeter. Huse also added some bulk, too, with Paco Jones (6-5) and Anthony Harper (6-5). Jones, a senior, transferred from NW Oklahoma State and is a talented wing player who can go inside and out, while Harper comes from Green River Community College, where he averaged 10 points and eight rebounds per outing. Freshman guard James Fry (6-4) rounds out Northern’s 2017-18 season roster.

“The first thing that jumps out at you about the group of new guys is they are really showing how excited they are to be here, to be Lights,” Huse said. “They are showing how much it means to them to play for Northern, to be a part of this program, this campus and this community.

“And they’re also showing how productive they’re going to be,” Huse continued. “This group is going to be productive in a lot of different ways. They are all unselfish, they can shoot the three, they can create plays on both ends of the floor. That entire group brings a lot to this team.”

Of course, under Huse, productivity starts with defense and hustle. Northern has been at or near the top of the Frontier Conference in scoring and field goal defense for a decade now, and that’s unlikely to change this season. Defense is where Northern hangs its hat, and with so much talent and athleticism, the Lights should once again be a defense juggernaut.

Offensively, MSU-N will be one of the most balanced teams again this season, thanks in large part to Reeves patrolling the paint. With a dominant force like Reeves in the middle, and plenty of talent spread across the floor, the Lights could be very tough to defend.

“One of the things about this team, on both ends of floor, that they’re already showing, is their ability to compete and fight hard,” Huse said. “We had an intra-squad scrimmage, and

one team went way up, and the other team fought right back. It went back and forth that way the entire scrimmage, and that showed me how hard our guys are playing, and how much they’re willing to fight. No one wanted to give in in that scrimmage.

“I also think, offensively, we have a lot of weapons on this team,” he added. “You’re going to see that when one guy is maybe not having his best night, we have others who can step up and pick him up and carry the load.

We have some really nice weapons on this team, and that’s exciting.”

Northern will need those weapons when it comes to Frontier Conference play, but, in order for the Lights to get ready for the rigors of the league and go after a conference championship, the Lights also have a non-conference schedule that should prepare them to do just that.

Right out of the gates, MSU-N will take a trip to Bozeman to face the Montana State Bobcats in an exhibition game. The Cats have one of the most talented scorers in all of the NCAA in junior Tyler Hall, so MSU-N’s defense will be tested immediately. A three-game road swing in Oregon, with games against Oregon Tech and Southern Oregon, will also be difficult matchups for the Lights, while MSU-N also has a full slate of home tilts this fall, including the AmericInn Thanksgiving Classic, where a good Valley City State squad will be in attendance. MSU-N wraps up non-conference play at the end December with back-to-back games against Concordia of Alberta. Other home games for the Lights include Nueta Hidatsa, SAGU (Great Falls), Salish Kootenai College and Yellowstone Christian.

“Our pre-season schedule is a good one,” Huse said. “I think this team will be in a position to win and compete in every one of those games. There will be some very challenging ones. Southern Oregon and Oregon Tech are two very good teams. I think Valley City State will be tough. Of course, playing Montana State in an exhibition game will be a great test for us to find out where we’re at. So I think our early schedule, we’re going to find out a lot

about ourselves, and that’s what we want.”

As is the norm now, Northern also plays two early-December Frontier Conference games.

The Lights host Rocky Mountain College and Carroll College Dec. 1-2, while Frontier play begins for good Jan. 2 against the University of Providence.

And while a Frontier championship and getting to the NAIA national tournament are always top goals for the Lights, for now it’s about continuing to improve, about coming together and about building. But make no mistake, Northern has already been doing

www.havredailynews.com that, and with an exciting and talented roster, this winter will be a fun one for the Northern men.

“I feel like we have a team that has both the ability and the character to compete in and win every game they play,” Huse said. “We have great leadership, we have a great mix of returners and newcomers. We have a group of guys who work really hard, and they enjoy being together and playing together. That’s a recipe for success to me. I’m really excited about this group, and it’s going to be a lot of fun seeing what they do with this season.

MSU-Northern

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New-look Lights ready to contend Talented Northern men aim to light up the floor this season George Ferguson

Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Charles Porter and the Montana State University-Northern men's basketball team are excited to start the new season. The Lights are hoping to build on last year's fourthplace finish in the Frontier Conference.

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Northern's Justin Dunsmore is a key returning veteran for a Lights squad that figures to be very talented this season.

October 2017

One thing that the Montana State University-Northern Lights have been under head coach Shawn Huse is consistent. Year in and year out, the Lights have always been a team to be dealth with in the Frontier Conference.

A decade of 20-win seasons proves that.

And as the 2017-18 season dawns, it doesn’t appear like that’s going to change. Sure, the Lights will once again have plenty of new faces on the floor this winter, but with Huse at the helm for another year and a program that is built on teamwork, fundamentals and defense, along with plenty of talent, the Lights shouldn’t skip a beat.

“It’s interesting because we do have a really new team in some aspects, a lot of new faces this year,” Huse, who is now in his 16th season at Northern, said. “But with the leadership we have from our returning guys, as far as the team goes, we’re way ahead of where we have been the past few years. This team has come together really quickly. Practices have been great, and everybody on this team has shown they really want to be here, and enjoy playing with each other. So that’s exciting.”

The Lights, who went 21-11 overall a year ago, and 9-9 in the difficult Frontier Conference, will need to continue to build that chemistry, considering MSU-N will likely have five

new players seeing signifigant playing time this season. Northern must also replace solid production from graduated seniors David Straughter, a two-time All-Conference performer, and sharp-shooting Tyler Chandler.

However, MSU-N does have key veterans back this season, many of whom were part of last season’s foundation. And of course, it starts in the middle with 6-10 senior center Ryan Reeves. Now in his third and final year at Northern, Reeves was not only an All-Conference selection last season but, with his two blocks per game, was also named 2017 Frontier Defensive Player of the Year. Reeves also brings back 9.7 ppg and seven rebounds per night, and he is going to be one of the most dominant forces in the paint in the entire Frontier Conference.

Also back for the Lights is junior Justin Dunsmore (6-6) and senior Charles Porter (6-2), who combined for 12 ppg last season.

Sophomores Devin Bray (5-9) and Adam Huse (6-1) return as well, and both will see their roles increase signifigantly this season.

“That group of returners is doing a great job with leadership and with helping the new guys get up to speed,” Huse said, “but, they also all have really worked hard on their game, too.

Justin, Adam and Devin have really stepped up this season, Ryan is going to do what Ryan does, and Charles is really doing a great job of taking on that senior leadership role. So those guys are all doing a great job, and I’m really proud of them.”

Northern fans will also be excited about the new faces in the MSU-N lineup this season.

Junior college transfers Gabe Porter (6-1)

■ See Lights Page 6

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MSU-Northern

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Skylights look to keep the magic Northern women work hard to keep momentum going George Ferguson

Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com To say the last four seasons have been, for the Montana State University-Northern women’s basketball team, anything but glorious would be putting it mildly. The Skylights have enjoyed a run of success many college programs only dream about.

Northern, under longtime head coach Chris Mouat, has gone to and won games at the NAIA national tournament for the last four years, including last season when the Skylights played for the Frontier Conference championship, then went to Billings and reached the NAIA Sweet 16.

In that stretch, they’ve also had multiple NAIA All-Americans, and numerous Frontier Conference awards.

Yes, there’s no denying the run has been nothing short of spectacular.

But change is inevitable in basketball, and the 2017-18 Skylights are going to go through their share of changes. That’s what happens when you lose three-time All-American and MSU-N all-time leading scorer Natalee Faupel, as well as proven veterans like Molly Kreycik, Sierra Richards (2017 AC) and Cydney Auzenne (2016 AC) in one graduation. Combined, that foursome accounted for 47 points and 21 rebounds per game during last year’s 24-9 season, which resulted in a runner-up finish in the Frontier tournament, as well as a close loss to Vanguard University in the Sweet 16.

However, as much as the Skylights lost in the spring, Mouat, now in his 13th year at Northern, says expectations and goals remain unchanged. That’s the nature of the beast

when you have developed a program of excellence like he has with the Skylights.

“We did lose a lot,” Mouat said. “In terms of experience in our program, points, rebounds, assists, defense, all of it. We have some huge holes to fill, and we’re going to be realistic about that. But we also have great returning kids who have taken on great leadership roles with this team. We have 13 kids on this team who are embracing what it means to be a Skylight, on and off the court, and they are working hard to continue the success that this program has had, not just in my time, but for years, and years now.”

The loss of Faupel is particularly glaring.

She was a once-in-a-generation player who dominated the Frontier Conference, literally from her freshman season on. And overall, Northern must replace four starters, as well as a top reserve in Katie Fertterer, who left the program to concentrate on school full time.

But because of the great program Mouat has built, the cupboard is by no means bare.

Senior Jacy Thompson (5-8) a former AllAmerican, three-time All-Conference performer, and a past Frontier Defensive Player of the Year returns. And with a career average of 12 ppg, as well as still being an incredible lockdown defender, Thompson will be one of the focal points of the MSU-N squad this season.

Also back is senior Brandy Lambourne (5-5). The former Blue Pony has patiently waited and learned behind Kreycik for three seasons and is ready to step into a much bigger role as MSU-N’s point guard. The return of junior Peyton Filius (5-6), another Blue Pony star, and sophomore Shiloh McCormick (5-9), who blossomed at the end of last season, will also be critical for the Skylights this winter, while getting back senior Kealani Sagapolu (5-11), who missed almost all of last year with a knee injury, is also a big plus for the Skylights moving forward.

“We’ve got a lot of experience and

■ See Skylights Page 7 Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Brandy Lambourne is one of three returning seniors for the Montana State UniversityNorthern women's basketball team. The Skylights have gone to four straight NAIA national tournaments.

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WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Skylights: Northern women have the talent ■ From Page 2 leadership in that group,” Mouat said. “Kids that understand our program, have been in our program for a long time. Jacy is healthier than she has been in a long time. She battled through a lot of pain last year, and she has a lot more bounce in her step. Brandy has worked really hard on her game. She’s stronger than she’s ever been. I think Peyton and Shiloh have also really improved a ton in the offseason. They are going to have really big roles on this team, and they are both ready for those roles. And getting Kealani back is really big. She’s worked really hard to come back from her injury, and she’s really coming along. Having her back in the post will be big for us.

“But what really stands out with that group the most,” Mouat continued. “Is their leadership. They do such a great job leading by example and through hard work. I’m really proud of all of them for that.”

While Northern’s key returners will be instrumental in helping the Skylights maintain their place among the Frontier’s elite, new faces will also need to emerge. Northern brought in three junior college post players in Jessica Curl (6-1), Lily Hilderbrand (5-10) and Hazel Hill (6-1). Curl is an elite prospect, having averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds per game at Butte CC in California last year.

Also adding to the post presence will be former Browning star Tiara Gilham (5-10), who transferred from UM-Western, and will be eligible to play in December.

“The junior college players we brought in, they all add depth to the post, which is something we needed,” Mouat said. “They all have size, they can rebound and score on the block. Tiara is another really great addition to our program. I’m really looking forward to watching her play.”

Gilham is also part of a five-member freshman class that represents the future of the Northern program. Havre High’s Naomi Terry (5-5), Fairfield’s Allix Goldhahn (5-9), Columbia Falls’ Peyton Kehr (5-9) and Jillian Gilchrist (5-6), from Rupert, Idaho, make up

the freshman class. And while Mouat still isn’t set on who will play this season and who will redshirt, he’s excited about the group as a whole.

“All of the true freshmen are doing a great job,” Mouat said. “They all bring something to the table. They are a great group, and they are going to be a huge part of our future, and possibly the near future. I’m really excited about that entire group.”

Up and down Northern’s lineup, there’s plenty to be excited about. But on both ends of the floor this season, the Skylights will have to learn on the go, and it will be a process, Mouat said, even calling it a slow process.

“Right now, it’s a lot of learning and teaching,” Mouat said. “Defensively, we have expectations of what we want to be. For some it’s been an adjustment because a lot of them played only zone, and we play a lot of man.

But we are again going to put a huge emphasis on defense and rebounding, that’s always big for us.

“Offensively, again, it’s a lot of teaching, and we have growing to do. We lost a ton of scoring, but we also have kids who have been in our program and know what we want to do.

So again, it’s a process, but I also think we have a chance to be a really good perimeter shooting team. This group shoots the three really well. And we have the players to get up and down the floor in transition. So those are things we’ll really look to keep improving on.

Again, it’s all a process right now, and it’s going to take time. It’s even a slow process. But the kids are picking it all up and doing a great job. We haven’t had what I would call one bad practice.”

The learning and growing process will certainly be a tough one at times, given Northern’s always difficult non-conference schedule. Mouat has always been a believer in challenging his teams with a tough nonconference slate, and this fall will be no different.

Early on, the Skylights will play rival Dickinson State twice, as well as a tough

Northwest Washington team in Great Falls.

GSAC member San Diego Christian also comes to Havre, while northern plays two exhibition games against NCAA DII’s Colorado Mesa and Dixie State. And for good measure, the Skylights will round out November with a second straight trip to the Rotary Classic in Jackson, Tennessee, where they’ll play two teams in the NAIA Top 25. MSU-N also plays Nueta Hidatsa and Salish Kootenai College in non-conference play, before rounding out the year with the Duck Inn Classic. That tournament includes a home game against NAIA powerhouse Our Lady of The Lake of Texas, which many predict to be one of the top teams in all of the NAIA. So needless to say, this new-look Skylight team will be in the fire, well before Frontier play begins with home games against Rocky Mountain College and Carroll College, Dec. 1-2, and before league play starts for good Jan. 2 against the University of Providence.

“The schedule is tough,” Mouat said.

“There’s a lot of games that are going to really show us where we’re at and where we need to get to. The games against Dickinson State, San Diego Christian and the two exhibition games, those are all going to be extremely difficult games. And having Our Lady of Lake come to Havre, who might be the number one team in the country by then, that’s a game we’ve really been looking forward to. That will be an exciting one for sure, and that one, plus the two games in Jackson (Tennessee), those will be great measuring sticks for us.”

Indeed. Northern will get plenty of measuring stick games early on. And with such a new team, there will no doubt be growing pains. However, the Skylights under Mouat have built an incredible tradition of winning in, and out of, the Frontier Conference.

They’ve finished in the top half of the league standings in each of the last five seasons, and have a chance to make it five straight trips to the national tournament, which will again be held in Billings this March. And while accomplishing any of that won’t be easy, no one should be surprised if the Skylights do just that.

“There’s a great tradition here,” Mouat said. “And it started long before I got here.

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Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson MSU-Northern junior Peyton Filius will have a crucial role on the Skylights team this season.

And our kids are learning what it means to be a Skylight, on the court, on campus and in the community. This team wants to have their spot in that tradition. So the expectations in that sense are still there. But where this team is different is, because we lost so much, they’re going to have to go out and show people they can get it done, and that, despite the losses, we can continue to be where we want to be as a program.

“So for right now, our goals are to continue to grow, learn and play as well as we can play in the non-conference, and get as ready as we can for what will be another brutal year in the Frontier (Conference). Yes, we want to get back to Billings and accomplish all those things, but this process will take time, and we’re going to be realistic about our goals but still have high expectations at the same time.”

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Wrestling: Thivierge at the helm of the Lights ■ From Page 5 pounds.

“Isaac Bartel is a guy who is going to turn some heads,” Thivierge said. “He’s so strong. He reminds me a lot of (Garret) DeMers. He’s strong, he’s big, but he’ll get down low and take shots. He’s going to open some eyes for sure.

“We have a great group of new guys,” Thivierge continued. “I’m really excited about all those guys and what they can bring to this team.”

Of course, new faces can also come with some growing pains, and Northern’s schedule will certainly test both the veterans and newcomers. The Lights wrestle at tough tournaments like the Cowboy Open, The Battle of the Rockies, the Reno T.O.C. and the Missouri Valley Invitational. Two duals against the University of Providence (formerly UGF) are also the highlight of Northern’s dual campaign, but the Lights also take on Warner Pacific, Southern Oregon and Embry-Riddle at home in conference duals, as well as travel to Eastern Oregon and North Idaho, as well as Dickinson State and the Argo Duals among others.

“I’ve always trained my teams to be tournament teams,” Thivierge said. “There’s no national championship for duals. Sure, we want to win every dual, we want to win ev-

ery time we’re on the mat, but I have always stressed being a good tournament team. I want our guys to support each other, feed off each other, be matside when we’re wrestling, pick each other up. You want to be build towards the national tournament because that tournament, that’s always our goal.”

And even with a young team, that will be the goal again this season. The Lights always go into February and March competing for hardware, and they’ll be shooting for it again when the Cascade Conference Qualifier rolls around Feb. 17 in Ashland, Oregon.

There, they’ll try and punch as many tickets as they can to the 2018 NAIA national tournament, which is set for March 2-3 in Des Moines, Iowa.

“This is shaping up to be a really fun team,” Thivierge said. “We have so much potential. It’s very exciting. I know a lot of people don’t look at us as a national championship contender right now, and that’s OK. But I believe this team will really turn some heads this season, and they can accomplish great things. They work hard, they are a tight group and they are hungry. Those are all thing you need to be a good team, and we have all of that in our room. So I’m really looking forward to seeing what these guys can do.”

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Montana State University-Northern

Winter Sports Schedules Lights Basketball November Nov. 1

Nov. 3

Nov. 11

Nov. 17

Nov. 18

Nov. 20

Nov. 24

Nov. 25

at Montana State University (Exhibition) Bozeman, MT - TBA at Salish Kootenai College Pablo, MT - TBA vs. SAGU American Indian C. Havre, MT - 3:00 pm at Oregon Institute of Tech Klamath Falls, OR - 7:30 pm at Southern Oregon Univ.

Klamath Falls, OR - 3:00 pm at Portland Bible College Portland, OR - TBA vs. Salish Kootenai College Havre, MT - 6:00 pm vs. Valley City State Univ.

Havre, MT - 6:00 pm December

Dec. 1

vs. Rocky Mountain College Havre, MT - 8:00 pm

Dec. 2

Dec. 7

Dec. 15

Dec. 29

Dec. 30

vs. Carroll College Havre, MT - 8:00 pm vs. Yellowstone Christian Coll Havre, MT - 7:00 pm vs. Nueta Hidatsa College Havre, MT - 8:00 pm vs. Concordia University Havre, MT - 7:00 pm vs. Concordia University Havre, MT - 3:30 pm January

Jan. 2

Jan. 4

Jan. 11

Jan. 13

Jan. 17

Jan. 20

vs. University of Providence Havre, MT - 8:00 pm at Montana Tech Butte, MT - 7:30 pm at Lewis-Clark State College Lewiston, ID - 7:30 pm at Montana-Western Dillon, MT - 7:30 pm at University of Providence Great Falls, MT - 7:30 pm vs. Montana Tech

Jan. 26

Jan. 27

Havre, MT - 8:00 pm vs. Lewis-Clark State College Havre, MT - 8:00 pm vs. University of MT-Western Havre, MT - 8:00 pm February

Feb. 1

Feb. 3

Feb. 8

Feb. 10

Feb. 16

Feb. 17

Feb. 21

Feb. 23

at Rocky Mountain Billings, MT - 7:30 pm at Carroll College Helena, MT - 7:30 pm at University of MT-Western Dillon, MT - 7:30 pm at Lewis-Clark State College Lewiston, ID - 7:30 pm vs. Carroll College Havre, MT - 8:00 pm vs. Rocky Mountain College Havre, MT - 8:00 pm vs. University of Providence Havre, MT - 8:00 pm at Montana Tech Butte, MT - 7:30 pm

Jan. 20

Jan. 26

Jan. 27

Great Falls, MT - 5:30 pm vs. Montana Tech Havre, MT - 6:00 pm vs. Lewis-Clark State College Havre, MT - 6:00 pm vs. University of MT-Western Havre, MT - 6:00 pm

Skylights Basketball December

October Oct. 27

vs. Dickinson State Univ.

Havre, MT - 5:00 pm November

Nov. 3

Nov. 6

Nov. 11

Nov. 12

Nov. 18

Nov. 19

Nov. 24 Nov. 25

at Salish Kootenai College Pablo, MT - 5:00 pm at Dickinson State Univ.

Dickinson, ND - 5:00 pm vs. Northwest University Great Falls, MT - 5:30 pm vs. San Diego Christian Coll.

Havre, MT - 4:00 pm at Colorado Mesa Univ.

(Exhibition) St. George, UT - 6:00 pm at Dixie State University (Exhibition) St. George, UT - 6:00 pm Rotary Classic - Jackson, TN Rotary Classic - Jackson, TN

Dec. 1

Dec. 2

Dec. 15

Dec. 16

Dec. 29

Dec. 30

vs. Rocky Mountain College Havre, MT - 6:00 pm vs. Carroll College Havre, MT - 6:00 pm vs. Nueta Hidatsa College Havre, MT - 7:00 pm vs. Nueta Hidatsa College Havre, MT - 7:00 pm vs. Concordia University Havre, MT - 6:00 pm vs. Our Lady of the Lake Havre, MT - 5:30 pm January

Jan. 2

Jan. 4

Jan. 11

Jan. 13

Jan. 17

vs. University of Providence Havre, MT - 6:00 pm at Montana Tech Butte, MT - 5:30 pm at Lewis-Clark State College Lewiston, ID - 5:30 pm at Montana-Western Dillon, MT - 5:30 pm at University of Providence

February Feb. 1

Feb. 3

Feb. 8

Feb. 10

Feb. 16

Feb. 17

Feb. 21

Feb. 23

at Rocky Mountain Billings, MT - 5:30 pm at. Carroll College Helena, MT - 5:30 pm at University of MT-Western Dillon, MT - 5:30 pm at Lewis Clark State College Lewiston, ID - 5:30 pm vs. Carroll College Havre, MT - 6:00 pm vs. Rocky Mountain College Havre, MT - 6:00 pm vs. University of Providence Havre, MT - 6:00 pm at Montana Tech Butte, MT - 5:30 pm

Jan. 20

at Missouri Valley College Marshall, MO

Lights Wrestling November Nov. 4 at Cowboy Open

Laramie, WY - 9:00 am Nov. 8 at Univ. of Providence

Great Falls, MT - 7:00 pm Nov. 12 at Trapper Open

Powell, WY - 9:00 am Nov. 16 vs. Warner Pacific College

Havre, MT - 7:00 pm Nov. 19 at Spokane Open

Spokane, WA - 9:00 am

December Dec. 1

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Brennon Veis, right, is one of many younger wrestlers on the Lights team who will have a big impact on the 2017-18 season.

Battle of the Rockies Open Great Falls, MT - 9:00 am

Dec. 9

Dec. 14

Dec. 17

at North Idaho College Coeur D' Alene, ID - 7:00 pm at Eastern Oregon Univ.

La Grande, OR - 7:00 pm Reno Tournament of Champs Reno, NV - 9:00 am January

Jan. 4

Jan. 12

Jan. 13

Jan. 19

vs. Southern Oregon Univ.

Havre, MT - 7:00 pm at Dickinson State Duals Dickinson, ND - 7:00 pm at Tyler Plummer CLassic Dickinson, ND - 9:00 am at Missouri Valley College Marshall, MO

February Feb. 3

Feb. 7

Feb. 17

vs. Embry Riddle Havre, MT - 7:00 pm vs. University of Providence Havre, MT - 7:00 pm West National Qualifier Ashland, OR - 9:00 am March

March 2-3 NAIA National

Championship

Des Moines, IA - All Day