MSU-Northern wrestling had its first open of the 2024 season as they headed to Des Moines, IA for competition last Saturday. Head coach Tyson Thivierge shared with New Media Broadcasters what transpired on the mat in the Hawkeye State and how the momentum from the Providence dual a couple of weeks back helped get more Lights into the win column.
“We go to UP, lost the first four matches, and then the guys, they dug in,” Thivierge said. “They started being who we were and we fought back.”
“You take bonus points out of that dual and we win the dual,” Thivierge continued. “We split five and five with them and I think we did a really good job there.”
“And then at the Grand View Open, everybody was in the win column,” Thivierge said. “We only had two guys go (1-2), but everybody else was (2-2, 3-2, 4-2). Not the results we wanted from Grand View, but you can see (the wrestlers’) progression (and) you can see them growing throughout the season.”
Northern will be busy this week, heading up to La Grande, Oregon to compete in two duals, including one against the hosts Eastern Oregon, followed by a trip to the Spokane Open in Washington. Coach Thivierge broke down the familiarity facing the Mountaineers and what his expectations are as more opportunities arise.
“We are dueling what we consider our rival,” Thivierge said. “My old assistant and teammate (Dustyn Azure) is the head coach at Eastern Oregon and they beat us the last two times.”
“This is the first time back in La Grande in a long time,” Thivierge continued. “The road trips I love. I think a lot of camaraderie is built within the team.”
“We’re picking up a couple of guys from football that are joining the program,” Thivierge said. “This weekend, we’re just looking for progression. We’re looking to get better every day (and) every week.”
The Lights will face the Evergreen State and Eastern Oregon for duals on Friday and then proceed to Spokane for that open all day on Sunday.
