GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence men's wrestling team will compete in their first dual of the season Thursday night in Havre, Mont. against #17 Montana State-Northern.

The dual is a makeup match from last week, when the dual was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. Though the Argos haven't had a formal dual yet, they have had an intra-squad meet under their belt to simulate a game-day environment.

"We're very excited," head coach Steve Komac said. "The Northern dual is a huge rivalary for both programs but right now it's about more than our rival. This is about getting on the mat. The kids have been in a practice room for a long time right now and they need to see some competition. They're excited and we're excited."

Komac has had multiple conversations with his team regarding the uncertainty and fluidity of the season schedule. He's been proud of his team's commitment to the COVID-19 protocols put in place so far.

"The kids are sticking together as a team and that's the most important thing right now," he said. "As we're all trying to work through this together, it's definitely challenging. We're providing as much support for them as we can. Being able to get out and compete is going to help the mindset a lot."

Though the season will be unusual, the Argos still have high expectations. The team returns two NAIA National Qualifiers who are poised to have big years – Jordan Komac and Hayden Schrull. Currently three wrestlers are ranked in Top 20 individually. Jordan Komac is ranked 4^th in the 165 lb. weight class, Hayden Schrull is ranked 11^th in the 184 lb. weight class and Eli Walston is ranked 18^th in the 125 lb. weight class.

The Lights will have some experience under the belt, having wrestled in six duals so far this season. They are undefeated so far in those duals, startng out 6-0. They also have two NAIA National Qualfiers, including defending National Champion Nick Kuntz (125 lbs.) and Isaac Bartel (197 lbs.), who is currently ranked first in the nation.

"They start off with two of the best kids in the country," Komac said. "They don't have many off-weights. They compete very well up and down the lineup. They're a strong traditional program and I don't ever see that changing."

Despite the stiff competition, the Argos will be up for the challenge.

"We're expecting a great effort," Komac said. "Wrestling season is normally a five, six-month deal with around 30 matches on average for our kids. That first weekend you're always kind of knocking the cobwebs off. We know things might not be perfect for sure, but we want to see a great effort out there and build from there."