Thivierge Returns Home To Northern Montana

The Scene:

English teacher John Keating takes his students into the school’s hallway. He draws their collective attention to the trophy cases that line the walls. He urges them to listen closely to the black and white photos and trophies that are on the verge of buckling under the weight of time. The students grow quiet and attentive, straining to listen to the advice of ghosts who knew those hallways, who knew that life. Channeling their spirit, Mr. Keating whispers to his students, “Carpe Diem, Carpe Diem…”  Seize the day.

Such may have been the whispers coming from the trophy case of Tyson Thivierge and such might be the advice that he now offers his wrestlers at Northern Montana College. The recently-named head coach of the Lights’ wrestling program won’t have trouble finding the trophy case nor will he have trouble relaying the advice that those trophies have to offer. Few in the history of that program’s storied past has a better understanding of what it means to Seize the Day. Thivierge seized several days, including days when he earned four All American honors, a National Title, and an Outstanding Wrestler Award at the NAIA National Championships.

After having spent the past two seasons as the head wrestling coach at Carson City High School, Thivierge is going home—so to speak. Not to his hometown of Clarkston, Washington but to his second hometown of Havre, Montana. In making the jump from high school to collegiate coaching, Thivierge holds that his experiences at the high school level simply better prepared him for things to come.

“I feel like all of my experiences to this point have helped prepare me grow as a coach.  I've coached at different levels from High School JV to NCAA Division 1.  Each level has given me experiences and the tools necessary for my current position at MSU-Northern.  I would never think that my high school experiences would be to my disadvantage. “

Not only will Thivierge be returning home but he will drawing upon his experiences for the purpose of returning Northern Montana’s wrestling program to their traditional home of being among the nation’s elite. To achieve such lofty ambitions, the former Midlands’ finalist recognizes those qualities that were characteristic of previous Northern National Championship programs.

“Team unity was big when I was part of two National Championship teams, so that is one key element.  Also, David Ray helped guide us to those titles by having us work hard and prepare properly.  To me, hard work and preparation is the key to being successful at anything in life.” 

Thivierge sees two core groups of individuals—both with ties to the Big Sky Country—as being critical to the program’s success

“Recruiting in-state is vital.  Having homegrown young men on a National Championship team is powerful.  Montana has a core of talent and that should be showcased.  I also see the Alumni as being crucial to our success as a program.  Their input is very important and the connections to recruiting are obvious.  Having them involved keeps the Northern pride alive.”

Recruiting, of course, may be the one aspect of the landscape that has changed since Thivierge’s departure. The Lights are no longer the only show in town. Instead, they will share the stage with the University of Great Falls under the guidance of a familiar face, Thivierge’s former teammate Caleb Schaeffer.

“I don't see it as an obstacle; I see it as a motivator.  Yes, UGF is tough, but rivalries bring out the best in a program.  I think it is great for the state and it's definitely great for both programs.  Caleb and I are former teammates and we will now have to compete against each other in several aspects: recruiting, duals, tournaments, national titles.  I welcome the challenge as I'm sure Caleb does.”

In another month-or-so, the students of Carson City High School will say their good byes. And the halls will quiet. Coach Thivierge will walk down that empty hallway that leads to the parking lot, a box of belongings pressed to his side. For the briefest of moments a feeling of nostalgia will sweep over him. But it will be brief. From a thousand miles away, he can hear the whispers and it is to the whispers that he is drawn. Carpe Diem…Carpe Diem.