The University is going to host its second annual Battle of the Rockies tournament this Saturday at CMR high school located in Great Falls MT.
This tournament brings McKendree from Ill. who is currently ranked number two in the nation for NAIA wrestling. McKendree represents the East region.
The second ranked team in the Nation will be the host, University of Great Falls (UGF). UGF represents the west region.
The fourth ranked team in the country is Missouri Valley out of the central region.
The matches will start at two p.m. at the UGF gym. There will be four rounds of duals with UGF dueling Missouri Valley at 3:30 p.m.
UGF will then dual the second ranked team in the country, McKendree, at 6:30 p.m. at UGF.
Other teams that will be present will include the number one ranked team from the North region, Jamestown, from N.D.
MSU-Northern and Embry-Riddle will also be dueling both Friday and competing in Saturdays tournament.
Saturday's Battle of the Rockies tournament will begin Saturday at 9 a.m. at CMR high school also located in Great Falls MT.
The 184 pound weight class has the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 7th ranked NAIA wrestlers in the tournament held this Saturday.
The number one ranked wrestler at 184 pounds, Michael French, is from UGF. The second place ranked wrestler at 184 pounds is also from Montana, Evan Hinebauch, from MSU-Northern. These two are guaranteed to put on a show.
The dual and tournament are host to team's from all four regions of the NAIA wrestling division. This will be a great opportunity for the public to come watch and support the UGF Argo's on their mission to becoming National Champions.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Argos battle with MSU-Northern Lights wrestling
The University of Great Falls (UGF) wrestling team who is currently ranked number 12 in the country in the NAIA met up with the number 13 team MSU-Northern Thursday night in Havre Montana.
The Argo's shut out the Lights last wrestling season in Havre and they had something to prove this year.
The Dual started off with a forfeitt at 125 from Northern which put the Argo's up six to zero. The Lights would put up there first points of the night at 133 pounds with a win over UGF's Louis Caranza. A Havre native for the Argo's, Miles Mazurkiewicz, won at 141 pounds with a major decision.
Argo's Anthony Varnell lost a 2 to 3 match at a 149 pounds to Northern. Michael Hader would soon boost the Argo's score with a first round fall against Northern at 157 pounds.
Ross Mosher of the Argo's followed Haders fall with an amazing show of talent. Mosher would win the 165 pound match up by a technical fall.
The Lights got there second win of the night at 174 pounds against Noah Hatton from UGF.
The most intense match of the night was at 184 pounds where UGF Michael French who is currently ranked number one in the nation would meet the number two ranked Evan Hinebaugh from Northern.
The crowd was intense during this match, and the talent showed through the entire match by both wrestlers. French won the extremely close match 2-1 for the Argo's. French and Hinebaugh have wrestled multiple times in the past few season's and have yet to let the crowd down.
The Lights would pick up there fourth win of the night at 197 pounds over UGF's Levi Morgan. The Lights tied the team score at heavy weight with a Fall over UGF's Juan Enriquez.
The Argos and Lights both showed up to wrestle on Thursday night. The crowd was on there toes during this whole dual. This dual will be one to remember.
The Argo's shut out the Lights last wrestling season in Havre and they had something to prove this year.
The Dual started off with a forfeitt at 125 from Northern which put the Argo's up six to zero. The Lights would put up there first points of the night at 133 pounds with a win over UGF's Louis Caranza. A Havre native for the Argo's, Miles Mazurkiewicz, won at 141 pounds with a major decision.
Argo's Anthony Varnell lost a 2 to 3 match at a 149 pounds to Northern. Michael Hader would soon boost the Argo's score with a first round fall against Northern at 157 pounds.
Ross Mosher of the Argo's followed Haders fall with an amazing show of talent. Mosher would win the 165 pound match up by a technical fall.
The Lights got there second win of the night at 174 pounds against Noah Hatton from UGF.
The most intense match of the night was at 184 pounds where UGF Michael French who is currently ranked number one in the nation would meet the number two ranked Evan Hinebaugh from Northern.
The crowd was intense during this match, and the talent showed through the entire match by both wrestlers. French won the extremely close match 2-1 for the Argo's. French and Hinebaugh have wrestled multiple times in the past few season's and have yet to let the crowd down.
The Lights would pick up there fourth win of the night at 197 pounds over UGF's Levi Morgan. The Lights tied the team score at heavy weight with a Fall over UGF's Juan Enriquez.
The Argos and Lights both showed up to wrestle on Thursday night. The crowd was on there toes during this whole dual. This dual will be one to remember.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Argo's have a great weekend in Oregon
The University of Great Falls wrestling traveled to Ashland Oregon this weekend for a dual and open tournament.
The Argos came out strong during the dual beating Southern Oregon University 28 to 12. Southern Oregon University took second place at the NAIA National wrestling tournament last season.
University of Great Falls head coach, Caleb Schaeffer, said "this is going to be a tough weekend of wrestling for the Argos."
The Argos took third place last season at the NAIA National tournament behind Southern Oregon University by a point and a half.
Coach Schaeffer was extremely happy with the dual and, in the open tournament that was held on both Saturday and Sunday.
In the open tournament, the Argo's had five in the finals with three taking first place. Additionally, the Argo's placed 14 out of 18 competitors this weekend.
The individual champions this weekend were Miles Mazurkewitz, Anthony Varnell, and Ross Mosher.
Micheal Hader and Louis Caranza placed second in the Open as well. Team scores were not kept at this tournament, but the Argo's looked like they may have came out on top.
The University of Great Falls wrestlers will be home Tuesday from this trip and leave again Friday for Spokane Washington for another open wrestling tournament.
The Argos came out strong during the dual beating Southern Oregon University 28 to 12. Southern Oregon University took second place at the NAIA National wrestling tournament last season.
University of Great Falls head coach, Caleb Schaeffer, said "this is going to be a tough weekend of wrestling for the Argos."
The Argos took third place last season at the NAIA National tournament behind Southern Oregon University by a point and a half.
Coach Schaeffer was extremely happy with the dual and, in the open tournament that was held on both Saturday and Sunday.
In the open tournament, the Argo's had five in the finals with three taking first place. Additionally, the Argo's placed 14 out of 18 competitors this weekend.
The individual champions this weekend were Miles Mazurkewitz, Anthony Varnell, and Ross Mosher.
Micheal Hader and Louis Caranza placed second in the Open as well. Team scores were not kept at this tournament, but the Argo's looked like they may have came out on top.
The University of Great Falls wrestlers will be home Tuesday from this trip and leave again Friday for Spokane Washington for another open wrestling tournament.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
The Argo's travel to Powell Wyoming
The University of Great Falls wrestling team traveled to Powell Wyoming this weekend for their first colligiant open wrestling tournament of the 2010-2011 season.
Three of these champions are returners for the Argo's and Varnell is transfer that started this year for the Argo's.
Clark Hensley and Scott Schlosser also qualified for the National tournamnet this weekend for the Argo's.
There are multiple ways to qualify for the National tournament in the NAIA Division. The most common way to qualify is to place at a tournamnet that has a certain number of competitors at your weight. The more competitors, the lower you can place.
If there is a lower amount of competitors, you can qualify by taking first and sometimes second. In most cases, the wrestler can qualify by placing in the top four.
Another way to quaify for Nationals is to place in the top three at the regional tournamnet two weeks before nationals. This is also the best time to get seated or "ranked" at the National tournament. If a wrestler wins the regional tournament, they will be seated away from other regional champs on the bracket.
This technique helps avoid top wrestlers meeting up on the bracket before they should. In some cases, wranked wrestlers do meet early in the tournament and only one can walk away with the win.
I personally was unable to make this trip due to knee surgery complications that led to blood clots in my leg and lungs. This has been a life threatening experience that has openend my eyes to the danger of sports and how it will now forever change my life.
I feel very fortunate to be alive and working towards recovery. This will be a long road with a few hurdles, but the show must go on!
 |
| Anthony Varnell |
 |
| Miles Mazurkiewicz |
 |
| Ross Mosher |
 |
| Michael French |
The Argo's had an impressive tournamnent with four individual champions and six totall national qualifiers. The four individual champions were Micael French, Ross Mosher, Anthony Varnell, and Miles Mazurkiewicz.
Three of these champions are returners for the Argo's and Varnell is transfer that started this year for the Argo's.
Clark Hensley and Scott Schlosser also qualified for the National tournamnet this weekend for the Argo's.
There are multiple ways to qualify for the National tournament in the NAIA Division. The most common way to qualify is to place at a tournamnet that has a certain number of competitors at your weight. The more competitors, the lower you can place.
If there is a lower amount of competitors, you can qualify by taking first and sometimes second. In most cases, the wrestler can qualify by placing in the top four.
Another way to quaify for Nationals is to place in the top three at the regional tournamnet two weeks before nationals. This is also the best time to get seated or "ranked" at the National tournament. If a wrestler wins the regional tournament, they will be seated away from other regional champs on the bracket.
This technique helps avoid top wrestlers meeting up on the bracket before they should. In some cases, wranked wrestlers do meet early in the tournament and only one can walk away with the win.
I personally was unable to make this trip due to knee surgery complications that led to blood clots in my leg and lungs. This has been a life threatening experience that has openend my eyes to the danger of sports and how it will now forever change my life.
I feel very fortunate to be alive and working towards recovery. This will be a long road with a few hurdles, but the show must go on!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Argo's get beat by North Idaho Community College
The University of Great Falls Argo wrestling team lost its season opening dual against North Idaho this weekend.
The Argos came out cold loosing their first three matches against North Idaho. The Argo's line-up was also changed for the dual meet.
The NAIA division has strict weight certifications that must be followed by coaches and athletes. The wrestlers must qualify for a certain weight at the beginning of the season. The wrestlers are required to weight and have a skin fold test.
The NAIA certification allows the wrestler to lose weight over a scheduled period of time that is safe and appropriate. As of this first dual, many of the Argo's were not certified to be at their desired weight and therefor went up a weight class.
After the first three losses of the night, Miles Mazerkewitz came out strong and ready to battle. Miles was one of the Argo wrestlers that was wrestling up one weight. Mazerkewitz controlled and dominated the match. Michael Hader came out in the next match also ready to battle.
Although Hader was very aggressive and looking for a win, North Idaho won this match also. The Argo's would only win two more matches for the night with Ross Mosher and Michael French claiming wins.
The Argo's only won three matches out of ten Saturday night, but the season is early and long. The NAIA National tournament is held in early march.
The Argos will travel to Wyoming for their next competition in a open tournament that invites Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, Junior colleges, and NAIA college teams.
Good job this weekend Argos, keep your heads up, its a long season!
The Argos came out cold loosing their first three matches against North Idaho. The Argo's line-up was also changed for the dual meet.
The NAIA division has strict weight certifications that must be followed by coaches and athletes. The wrestlers must qualify for a certain weight at the beginning of the season. The wrestlers are required to weight and have a skin fold test.
The NAIA certification allows the wrestler to lose weight over a scheduled period of time that is safe and appropriate. As of this first dual, many of the Argo's were not certified to be at their desired weight and therefor went up a weight class.
After the first three losses of the night, Miles Mazerkewitz came out strong and ready to battle. Miles was one of the Argo wrestlers that was wrestling up one weight. Mazerkewitz controlled and dominated the match. Michael Hader came out in the next match also ready to battle.
The Argo's only won three matches out of ten Saturday night, but the season is early and long. The NAIA National tournament is held in early march.
The Argos will travel to Wyoming for their next competition in a open tournament that invites Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, Junior colleges, and NAIA college teams.
Good job this weekend Argos, keep your heads up, its a long season!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Argos Travel
The University of Great Falls wrestling team had there first unofficial trip to Spirit Lake Idaho this weekend.
This dual was another inter squad match that was provided for athletes parents in a more central location vs Great Falls Montana.
With many members of the wrestling team from Idaho and Washington, Parents are able to come watch there son wrestle without driving across three states.
This is also a great opportunity for local high school and middle school wrestlers to observe and visit with college coaches and wrestlers.
With the latest NAIA coaches poll coming out last week, the Argos are looking and feeling good. The Argos came out to wrestle and put on a show Saturday night in Idaho.
The wrestlers held nothing back against each other on Saturday in the ten matches. There were many close and exciting matches throughout the night.
The Argos open this year against North Idaho college. The Argos almost shut out North Idaho last season which was a first for the Argos.
It should be a good match up this year against North Idaho, the Argos lost 12 seniors last year. This year offers a young team looking to make some waves in the NAIA division.
This dual was another inter squad match that was provided for athletes parents in a more central location vs Great Falls Montana.
With many members of the wrestling team from Idaho and Washington, Parents are able to come watch there son wrestle without driving across three states.
This is also a great opportunity for local high school and middle school wrestlers to observe and visit with college coaches and wrestlers.
With the latest NAIA coaches poll coming out last week, the Argos are looking and feeling good. The Argos came out to wrestle and put on a show Saturday night in Idaho.
The Argos open this year against North Idaho college. The Argos almost shut out North Idaho last season which was a first for the Argos.
It should be a good match up this year against North Idaho, the Argos lost 12 seniors last year. This year offers a young team looking to make some waves in the NAIA division.
Monday, October 18, 2010
First NAIA Coaches Poll is out
There are four different regions that are polled. The Central Group, North Group, East group, and West group where the University of Great Falls is in. The West Group has seven colleges within it's region.
There are two colleges from Montana, one from Oregon, one from Arizona, and three from California. The west region is considered to be one of the toughest. The University of Great Falls took third place at the national wrestling tournament in the 09-10 season.
The team that took second by a point and a half ahead of the Argos is also in the west region. They are Southern Oregon University located in Ashland, Oregon.
The University of Great Falls is leading the west group with a 169.5 points. MSU Northern is in second place following the Argos with 147.5 points.
These early polls tend to change in the second semester of the season as some student's are no longer eligible due to grades, or athletes being injured.
The Argos will make their first trip this weekend to Spokane Washington where they will wrestle their second inter-squad dual of the season. This makes it easier for families to come and watch their son compete at a more central location.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Columbia & Gold Intersquad Dual
The University of Great Falls wrestling team held there annual alumni and inter squad wrestling dual this weekend in Great Falls, Montana.
The weekend started with alumni vs current team members on Saturday the 9th. With over 20 matches, the alumni team walked away with a dual win for the night.
Sunday offered 13 Argo matches that included two of the four returning All- Americans. The wrestlers come from Montana, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, New York, and Texas.
141 Pounds, Ryan Martin won over Chase Burns
The weekend started with alumni vs current team members on Saturday the 9th. With over 20 matches, the alumni team walked away with a dual win for the night.
Sunday offered 13 Argo matches that included two of the four returning All- Americans. The wrestlers come from Montana, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, New York, and Texas.
Here are the results for sunday's dual:
125 pounds, Brian Borst won over Patrick Neal
133 pounds, Scott Schlosser won over Luis Carranza
133 Pounds, Clayton Vermulum won over Eric Bergerson
141/149 Pounds, Myles Mazurkiewicz won over Anthony Varnell
141 Pounds, Ryan Martin won over Chase Burns141 Pounds, Robert Spackman won over Kyler Briggs
149 Pounds, David Hayes won over Kent Pattison
157 Pounds, Clark Hensley won over Shawn lau
165 Pounds, Ross Mosher won over Adam Wolfe
174 Pounds, Noah Hatton won over John Burns
184 Pounds, Levi Morgan won over Brock Picard
197 Pounds, Matt Cable won over Kodie Kenfield
133 Pounds, Ryan Major won over Eric Bergerson
There were many close and exciting matches throughout the weekend. Parents and friends were invited to come and see the University of Great Falls campus and meet the coaching staff. This is an annual event that current and past wrestlers look forward to each year.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Intersquad and Alumni wrestling action
On Saturday the 9th, 2010, the University of Great Falls will be hosting the annual Argo Alumni wrestling dual.
This is the wrestling teams biggest Alumni dual in Argo history. The dual will start at 3 p.m. at the University of Great Falls Gym.
There will be 22 matches against the current Argo wrestling team and Alumni. The Alumni team is loaded with 20 past All- American wrestlers from the Argos and four All-Americans representing the current Argo team.
Here is a list of the matches that will take place on Saturday afternoon:
Alumni Current
These matches are subject to change, but it should be a solid performance by both sides. The alumni side includes current coaches, teachers, dads, and college students. This is a time for past friends and teammates to gather and have some fun.
This is the wrestling teams biggest Alumni dual in Argo history. The dual will start at 3 p.m. at the University of Great Falls Gym.
There will be 22 matches against the current Argo wrestling team and Alumni. The Alumni team is loaded with 20 past All- American wrestlers from the Argos and four All-Americans representing the current Argo team.
Here is a list of the matches that will take place on Saturday afternoon:
Alumni CurrentForest Bouge vs Akmal Adilov
Ryan Montang vs Luis Carranza
Jeremy Montang vs Shawn Lau
Jason harrington vs Ryan Major
Spencer Griffiths vs Chase Burns
Brad Fraser vs Juan Enriquez
Jason Costello vs Miles Mazurkiewicz
Jeff Trafelet vs Chad Cebulski
Justin Jones vs Will McLaughlin
Eddie Bush vs Kent Pattison
Wayne French vs Michael Hader
Jon Muri vs Ryan Martin
Alex Calvi vs Sheldon Page
Brendon DeCock vs Zach Wichman
Joe Casey vs Adam Wolfe
Luke Roberts vs Cole Amende
Ryan Smith vs Scott Lucas
Justin Gardner vs Clark Hensley
Jason Pence vs Levi Morgan
Robert Hazenberg vs Brock Picard
Matt Pea vs Colt Ewing
Michael Kummer vs Michael french
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Life first, wrestling second
I was not a big part of the wrestling team this week. My wife and I are remodeling our kitchen and time is hard to come by. Coach Schaeffer told me to take the week off and finish my kitchen.
So I guess this weeks blog is about me, homework, and remodeling. 18 credits are a handful, and adding a full remodel is a bit over whelming. This juggling act needs to stop so that I can focus on my wife, school, and wrestling.
I finished the laying the tile last week and worked on the cabinets this weekend. It was all going so well, except for the part where I got electrocuted around midnight on Saturday. I guess when you get sleepy, you get sloppy.
Sunday was going great as well, and then accident number two of the weekend happened. I was sitting on the ground working on some wiring, I then jumped up to meet a cabinet right in the top of my head. After a few minutes of stars and a trip to our school trainer, I was glued and back to new.
This pretty well sums up the last week, and I thought the wrestlers were getting sore and beat up! I am sitting here with a pounding headache and super glue on my scalp, does it get any better?
So I guess this weeks blog is about me, homework, and remodeling. 18 credits are a handful, and adding a full remodel is a bit over whelming. This juggling act needs to stop so that I can focus on my wife, school, and wrestling.
I finished the laying the tile last week and worked on the cabinets this weekend. It was all going so well, except for the part where I got electrocuted around midnight on Saturday. I guess when you get sleepy, you get sloppy.
Sunday was going great as well, and then accident number two of the weekend happened. I was sitting on the ground working on some wiring, I then jumped up to meet a cabinet right in the top of my head. After a few minutes of stars and a trip to our school trainer, I was glued and back to new.
This pretty well sums up the last week, and I thought the wrestlers were getting sore and beat up! I am sitting here with a pounding headache and super glue on my scalp, does it get any better?
Monday, September 20, 2010
Pre-season is on!
The University of Great Falls wrestlers have now had a taste of pre-season, and I am absolutely impressed with the new recruits.
This is a class of hard working and focused individuals. They are proving that they want to be successful by working hard and doing the right things. This pre-season consists of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday lifting workouts with runs that follow.
The runs are not just runs, they are lung burning aerobic and anaerobic exercises that would make anyone question their purpose.
Tuesdays and Thursdays consists of wrestling practices where technique is drilled into their vocabulary. The new wrestlers will find out at even the collegiate level, you can't get the cart ahead of the horse.
This season thus far, has shown an extremely talented bunch of young adults.
This is a class of hard working and focused individuals. They are proving that they want to be successful by working hard and doing the right things. This pre-season consists of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday lifting workouts with runs that follow.
The runs are not just runs, they are lung burning aerobic and anaerobic exercises that would make anyone question their purpose.
Tuesdays and Thursdays consists of wrestling practices where technique is drilled into their vocabulary. The new wrestlers will find out at even the collegiate level, you can't get the cart ahead of the horse.
This season thus far, has shown an extremely talented bunch of young adults.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
University of Great Falls wrestling pre-season begins
Although the University of Great Falls wrestling team has not officially began practices yet, the wrestlers are out and about training.Pre-season is the time that all collegiate athletes look to knock off the rust, or to gain the edge on your future opponent.
This time is crucial for developing those skills and getting back into shape. With preseason starting this week, many young wrestlers will be welcomed to the team with sweat and tears as "Hell week" is fast approaching.
This is a week where wrestlers are put through many vigorous activities throughout the city of Great Falls. This is where the boys become men and the men become tougher! This preseason will consists of many hill runs, buddy carries, weight lifting, plate workouts, and team bonding exercises.
This part of the season builds mental toughness as well as physical toughness. As any team develops, they must realize that your only as tough as your weakest member. Although wrestling is more of an individual sport, there is a lot of team work involved.
I wish you all the best of luck in this upcoming week!
This time is crucial for developing those skills and getting back into shape. With preseason starting this week, many young wrestlers will be welcomed to the team with sweat and tears as "Hell week" is fast approaching.
This is a week where wrestlers are put through many vigorous activities throughout the city of Great Falls. This is where the boys become men and the men become tougher! This preseason will consists of many hill runs, buddy carries, weight lifting, plate workouts, and team bonding exercises.
This part of the season builds mental toughness as well as physical toughness. As any team develops, they must realize that your only as tough as your weakest member. Although wrestling is more of an individual sport, there is a lot of team work involved.
I wish you all the best of luck in this upcoming week!
Friday, September 3, 2010
University of Great Falls Wrestling
The University Of Great Falls wrestling team kicked off their season on September ninth with their first team meeting. The Argo wrestling team is looking powerful as ever with forty five wrestlers and four returning with All-American Status.
The Four All- American returners are looking forward to leading the team throughout the long season which comes to an end in early March. The Argos took third in the country at the NAIA division in the 2009-2010 season in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The Argos have also added 18 new recruits and transfers to their roster. There are some pretty big shoes to be filled among the team with twelve seniors graduating in the 2009-2010 season. This season looks to bring a young and powerful force to the table.
The Argos wrestling team is led by head coach Caleb Schaeffer who is in his sixth year coaching for the Argos and fourth year as the head coach.
The Four All- American returners are looking forward to leading the team throughout the long season which comes to an end in early March. The Argos took third in the country at the NAIA division in the 2009-2010 season in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The Argos have also added 18 new recruits and transfers to their roster. There are some pretty big shoes to be filled among the team with twelve seniors graduating in the 2009-2010 season. This season looks to bring a young and powerful force to the table.
The Argos wrestling team is led by head coach Caleb Schaeffer who is in his sixth year coaching for the Argos and fourth year as the head coach.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)