Cheff signs with MSU-Northern
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RONAN – Ronan wrestler Toby Cheff will continue his career at the college level as a Northern Light. Cheff met with the Montana State University – Northern coaching staff Friday at the Ronan High School library to sign his letter of intent, adding another talented wrestler to the already star-studded team.
“This is what I wanted to do,” Cheff said. “They have a great program up there.”
Cheff will be joining his brother Mickey Cheff, who is a freshman at the school, and wrestles in the 157-pound weight class.
“He’s one of my best friends, and we push each other,” Toby said. “(MSU-Northern) is also close to home, so it’s a good deal.”
Toby plans to set the bar high for himself as he heads to the next level, claiming the transition shouldn’t be much of an issue.
“With my brother there it shouldn’t be too hard,” he said. “It’s unlike high school though, everyone’s older and tougher.”
His ultimate goals as a wrestler in college are to become a national champion, and to earn a spot at nationals every year. He also plans to enjoy himself at school.
“I want to have fun,” he said.
Coach Tyson Thivierge’s excitement for adding Cheff to his team was evident at the signing.
“I wish we could start tomorrow,” he said.
Thivierge commented that Cheff’s style is unique, and he’ll do well as a Light.
“The guy has scrambling ability, which is great for his class, and he has an unorthodox style of wrestling that will go well with our program,” Thivierge said, “everyone’s going to learn well from him.”
Ronan wrestling coach Dustyn Azure, who also wrestled at MSU-Northern, is a big help when recruiting season comes around.
“He gets them ready for the next level,” Thivierge said. “He is one of our biggest supporters in this program.”
Currently, Thivierge has signed seven wrestlers, with six more in the hunt. The team only lost one wrestler from last year, stacking depth and talent for the upcoming season.
Though it’s uncommon for brothers to compete on the same collegiate wrestling team, Thivierge is excited for the opportunity.
“Mickey and Toby will feed off each other,” he said.
After the letter of intent was signed, the excitement of the moment led the group to the high school weight room for a workout.
“I want to see how strong you are,” Thivierge said to Cheff with a smile.
Toby will be heading to MSU-Northern this fall to begin his journey towards becoming a national champion.
