Former Chief named wrestling All-American
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HAVRE – Cameron Neiss, a 2010 graduate of Ronan high school, took seventh place in the NAIA Wrestling Championship in Cedar Rapids, IA on March 5.
The top eight competitors for eight weight division are titled All-Americans, something Neiss has accomplished after only one year competing at the collegiate level.
“One year seems so short, but I worked hard everyday, and it paid off,” Neiss said. “This feels great.”
Neiss plans on working hard during the off season to make a run for national champion in his sophomore year.
“I’m going to keep working hard, and try to work my way up the team rankings,” he said.
Neiss won two matches, reaching the quarterfinals before losing to Tim Thurston of Campbellsville, KY. He then rallied back to win against Jered Medina of the University of the Cumberlands to reach the all-American match, where he was defeated by Travis Evans of Grand View.
According to his MSU Northern coach, Tyson Thivierge, this is a huge accomplishment for a freshman wrestler.
“He is a true freshman, straight out of high school,” Thivierge said, “It’s a big deal.”
Thivierge says he is excited about what Neiss could accomplish during the next three years with the Lights.
“He always stayed late, and got extra workouts in,” he said. “He got better everyday. He’s a true diamond in the rough. I’m excited for what he accomplished this week, and I’m even more excited for his bright future.”
The Lights went into the championship with the No. 8 ranking, sending ten wrestlers to the event, yet came away with a lack-luster 10th place finish.
“It’s disappointing that we stumbled in the tournament,” Thivierge said, “(But) I’m really excited to see where our team is heading next year.”
Most of the team’s points came from MSU Northern junior Evan Hinebauch, who took gold in the 184-pound weight division. He defeated arch-rival Michael French of Great Falls.
Rudy Schaffroth took 5th in the heavyweight division, defeating Josh Geppert of Dakota Wesleyan in the loser-out bracket.
Thivierge says that his team is young and that there is room for improvement, so he has high hopes for next year.
“There is a really good possibility to have several champions next year,” he said.
