GREAT FALLS — Unlike other Frontier Conference schools, the University of Providence couldn’t start winter sports competition until January because students weren’t on campus this fall. Now less than two weeks into the new year, two Argo programs are already dealing with more roadblocks.
Wednesday was supposed to be the start of the season for Argo men’s wrestling team with a dual at MSU-Northern. The program learned on Tuesday that COVID-19 protocols would cause the dual to be postponed, setting up a frustrating start for a program with lofty goals this season.
"The kids are doing an amazing job. Coaches are trying to keep them in the right frame of mind. Some days we have to work on each other, most days we're working on things with kids. It's a challenging time," head coach Steve Komac said.
Luckily for Komac and the wrestlers, the dual can be made up, with the possibility coming as soon as next week. On the other hand, the UP women’s basketball team had its games against Rocky Mountain College this week canceled. The games will not be made up, according to Frontier Conference policy.
"I think our team is really fortunate about being here during this crazy COVID time. So we're just taking everything and just trying our hardest and working hard," said sophomore guard Brooklyn Harn. "And no matter what happens, we're just going to keep working hard toward trying to be champs."
There are some silver linings too. The wrestling team has some bumps and bruises to heal up, and, although the sample size is small, the 2-2 Argo women have identified some things to work on over the weekend
"We're definitely going to watch some more film," head coach Bill Himmelberg said. "So, we're breaking down some things. We worked on some free throw blockoffs, we work on some press break. There's a lot of fundamental things we're working on as a team being able to execute better."
The next Argo women's game is scheduled at MSU-Northern on Jan. 20.
