2007-08 UGF Wrestling Season Outlook

2006-2007 Record: 11-5

North Region Finish: 1st Place

NAIA National Tournament Finish: Sixth Place

Starters Lost: 141 lbs: Nick Budeski (7th in the nation); 149 lbs: Jon Muri (National Qualifier); 197 lbs: Marcus Andy (4th in the nation).

Returning All-Americans: 125 lbs: Forrest Bouge (2005 Junior College All-American); 141 lbs: Spencer Griffiths (finished 4th in 2005); 157 lbs: Wayne French (Finished 3rd in 2007); 174 lbs: Ryan Smith (3-Time All-American- 8th Place, 6th Place, 8th Place); Mike Kummer (3-Time All-American- 4th Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place) and HWT: Brad Fraser (5th in 2007).

 

Success and determination have been the two main priorities of the University of Great Falls wrestling team since the first day. This year, UGF coach Caleb Schaeffer and his coaching staff plan to continue this tradition as a major component of UGF wrestling. With the experience, talent, and depth of this year’s squad, this should not be a hard task to accomplish.

 

The Argos return six NAIA All-Americans, three regional champions, and 12 National Qualifiers to the team. All of these young men are from the 2006-2007 wrestling squad that went 11-5 in duals, won the regional title, and attained a sixth place team finish in the NAIA National Tournament.

 

The University of Great Falls will be counting on their senior leadership to carry most of the load in the 2007-2008 wrestling season. The Argos will be led by seniors Forrest Bouge, Jason Harrington, Spencer Griffiths, Wayne French, Ryan Smith, and Mike Kummer. All of these individuals will be a vital part of the varsity lineup.

 

Newcomers that will be making an impact right away to the varsity lineup include Michael French and Ross Mosher. Both of these young men will have to step up right away to fit into the senior-dominated lineup. French was a Three-Time State Champ from Malta, Montana and Mosher is coming off a tremendous red-shirt season.

 

SCHEDULE:  This year’s schedule is once again highlighted by the Reno Tournament of Champions that is being held on December 18th in Reno, Nevada. At this tournament, the Argos will face several Division I teams including Oklahoma State, Arizona State, Stanford, and Oregon State. The Argo will also be facing Boise State, a Top 20 Division I team on February 8th in Boise, Idaho. The University of Great Falls will also be hosting the NAIA North Regional Wrestling Tournament at the McLaughlin Center on February 23rd. The Argos will be looking to defend their Regional title at this event.

 

The Argos will compete against the elite NAIA, Division 1, Division II, and Division III teams in the nation this season. This is a direct reflection of the type of program that the University of Great Falls is trying to establish in just their fourth year of existence. The ultimate goal would be to become a national power in any Division in the nation.