Bison get shots at future conference foes

The Forum, Fargo, North Dakota

By Jeff Kolpack jkolpack@forumcomm.com
Sports - 01/27/2006

Air Force and the University of Wyoming will wrestle North Dakota State this weekend as Division I independents. Next year, the three teams will be conference foes.

So, Bison fans, get used to the Falcons and the Cowboys on the mat. They may be frequent visitors to the Bison Sports Arena, starting tonight with Air Force and Saturday afternoon with Wyoming.

“It makes it a little more important because we’ll be wrestling them in the future,” said NDSU sophomore Matt Wetterling. “We’re going to be wrestling them every year so we have to take that into consideration. Maybe we can start somewhat of a tradition within the conference.”

Forming the league has been a two-year project that is nearing completion. Jack Maughan, the head coach of Northern Colorado, has been spearheading the meshing of UNC, NDSU, Air Force, Wyoming, South Dakota State, Northern Iowa, Eastern Illinois, Fresno State (Calif.) and Utah Valley State.

School officials are in the process of reviewing a code of operations and have a February deadline to finalize it.

One of the sticking points is what to call the league.

“It’s becoming harder than it should be, really,” Maughan said. “We all have different ideas. You have nine schools that have different missions both academically and athletically. It’s been a long process but it’s getting down to the end.”

It is expected to be a rewarding beginning to Division I competition for NDSU. The Bison will be eligible for the Division I national tournament next year and qualifying spots will come via the league.

Moreover, it will be a reunion of sorts for NDSU, UNC, SDSU and Northern Iowa. All were former members of the North Central Conference.

“It used to be Northern Iowa and NDSU for the title,” Maughan said. “There used to be no more hated school in our house than Northern Iowa because they won most of the time.” Bucky Maughan, Jack’s father, is in his 42nd year as the Bison head coach. He sees two solid teams in Air Force and Wyoming. “It will be a tough weekend for us,” he said. Air Force and Wyoming each return three national qualifiers from a year ago. NDSU has been led by Wetterling, who is 19-6 at 184 pounds. The Falcons and Cowboys are gearing toward the West Region wrestling tournament next month. NDSU, meanwhile, is gearing for the new conference and national tournament next year. “It’s tough to be patient,” Wetterling said. “We’re just trying to wrestle and have a good year this year and hope it all carries over to next year.”

Readers can reach Forum reporter Jeff Kolpack at (701) 241-5546