Presser signs to wrestle at Montana State University Northern
—Photo by ERIC PLUMMER Pictured front row, from left to right: Laurel Presser, Tyler Presser and Mary Marienau. Back row: Assistant coach Steve Miller, head coach Mike Randles, assistant coach Jake Stark, assistant coach Anthony Weerheim and athletic director Kris Knowles.
SANDPOINT — Possessing raw strength and athleticism and a solid work ethic, Sandpoint wrestler Tyler Presser has many of the traits a college wrestling coach covets, including Montana State University Northern head coach Tyson Thivierge.
The NAIA school in Havre, Montana, recruited Presser and after a recent visit to the campus, where he got a chance to wrestle against college athletes, offered him an athletic scholarship to join their team.
“The recruiting trip was super fun. The team is close-knit, and Havre suited me,” said Presser, who plans to study either biology or ecology when he’s not on the mat. “I’ll fit in well, and still have room to grow.”
Presser made the 4A state finals the past two seasons, capping a stellar senior year with his first state title at 160 pounds. He’ll now join a team that will feature state champs and then some, and he’s eager to put his skills to the test at the next level.
“It’s heightened competition. Being in a room where everybody has been a champion; high intensity,” said Presser, who was asked what his strengths were on the mat. “I’m pretty quick and explosive, and hope to add some technique.”
Some recruits come to campus already maximizing their talents, but Presser has a very high ceiling and potential for improvement, and could thrive on the college mat.
Bulldog head coach Mike Randles, who has coached some elite college wrestlers, sees good things ahead for Presser.
“He’s so athletic. A two-time state finalist and he’s still on a big learning curve, he still has upside,” described Randles, who also raved about his work ethic. “A college wrestling room is a different world, the grinding nature of it. He thrives on it.”