Great Falls Rising
In less than two years, Argos rising in NAIA
There is no concrete time table set with regards to just how long it takes a new wrestling program to become established as one which has the coaching, talent and attitude that it takes to make top tier NAIA teams meet them head on with their A-game each and every time they step onto the mat. For some programs it may take several years, but for others, like the University of Great Falls, the respect earned nationwide through accomplishments on the individual and team levels can take place seemingly over night.
In its first season with a varsity program, the Argos gained notice at the 2005 NAIAs with a 10th-place finish in the team scoring, including an eye-opening five All-Americans. On the strength of that performance, the Argos netted a preseason Top-10 ranking and so far, they’ve shown that their lofty status is well-deserved.
“T
here are several reasons for our success at UGF in our inaugural season, the first being the work ethic of our guys,’’ head coach Eric Van Kley said. “They want to be the best and are willing to pay the price for it. Along with that, I can’t credit enough my coaching staff and the Great Falls wrestling community. Their dedication to the sport is contagious and motivates everyone involved with the program.’’Van Kley, a graduate of Minnesota State-Mankato and a Division I assistant at Millersville, is passing along advice that he hopes his athletes can hold onto long after their career on the mats is finished.
“We instill two principles that are true both on the mat and off. Number one, wrestling and life are honest,’’ Van Kley said. “You get out of it what you put into it. If we want to be the best in what we do, we have to put in the time and the effort. Second, never give up. Life is full of quitters and doesn’t need any more. Regardless of the circumstances, we keep our eyes focused on goals and persevere.’’
Great Falls had a strong showing at Concordia College’s Cobber Open in Moorhead, Minn., Nov. 19. The Argos landed a whopping seven guys in the finals. Forest Bouge won at 125, Ryan Montang and Jace Cutrer were co-champs at 133, Nick Budeski and Spencer Griffiths shared the title at 141, Ryan Smith took the honors at 165 and Mike Kummer won the 174-pound class.
UGF’s Marcus Andy, who will likely not become eligible until second semester, lost to Dickinson State’s Justin Schlect, 6-2 in the 197-pound finals. No team scores were kept at the event.
In their first dual meet, the Argos hosted Jamestown College, Nov. 8. As expected the Jimmies (a preseason No. 15) proved a sturdy challenge, but it was Great Falls who prevailed at the end, 23-19. Jon Muri got a pin to start off the match at 149 and No. 6 Kummer won by fall at 174 for the Argos. Shane Hase (No. 7, 133) racked up a pin for Jamestown. Great Falls was trailing, 19-18, heading into the final bout at 141 where Budeski earned a technical fall victory to secure the win.
“Our dual with Jamestown was a great meet,’’ Van Kley said. “They’ve done a nice job at that program and they came to Great Falls ready to wrestle. Kummer, Budeski and Muri all came through with great efforts. Their bonus points against quality wrestlers was the deciding factor in the match.’’
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