Wrestling Returns to the University of Montana Western

By: Shelby Brown -
Collegiate Wrestling has recently become a sanctioned program at the University of Montana Western and has been holding official practices since December of this school year. Normally, the club has been meeting to practice Monday-Friday at 6:00 p.m. at the Dillon High School wrestling room under the supervision and coaching of Coach Dan Payne.

Payne has had over twenty years of coaching experience including three years in Bozeman’s Montana State University, two years at the Northern Arizona University, and sixteen years at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, compiling over forty-four All-Americans and six national champions! He is aided by Jase Miller and Tait Humble and has the managerial assistance of Shelby Brown and Kristina Reese.

The roster currently lists the following twelve wrestlers, students at UMW, ranging from 141-285 lbs.: Michael Majors, Justin Rowling, Christopher Benson, Lance Bosen, Torrey Vezina, Anthony Arnone, Kyle Brown, Ryan Jorgenson, Jake Jarvis, Marshal Pirtz, Zachary Murray, and Dan Schaffeld. At this point in time, any eligible student interested in wrestling is welcome to attend a practice.


For more information about the University of Montana Western Wrestling Club, call Jase Miller at (406) 544-5390 or Dan Payne at (928) 830-1011. Any donations to the team would be much appreciated.