MSU-Northern Wrestler Wins Prestigious Dan Hodge Award
Summer 2004

Montana State University Northern wrestling standout Emmett Willson, from Shepherd, Montana, has been awarded the prestigious Dan Hodges Award, which is sponsored by International Wrestling Institute and WI.N. Magazine.

Willson dominated the wrestling mat this year, wrestling in the 197 pound division, with an impressive 50-0 record. His overall record is 163 wins 16 losses, and 59 falls. In 2003, Willson was the National Champion with a record 46-3 with 18 falls and the National Champion in 2002 with 43-5 and 13 falls. 2001 saw Willson in 3rd place at the national level at 174 pounds with a record of 24-8 and 5 falls. Willson is the 2nd Northern wrestler to have won two or more national titles and the third wrestler to win four Northern regional titles.

This year, Willson competed in and won the Las Vegas Invitational. He is the first Northern and NAIA wrestler to do so. He is also the first NAIA and Northern wrestler to win the Midlands Tournament. Willson was selected to compete in the 38th Annual National Wrestling Coaches Association All Star Dual in Cedar Falls, Iowa, hosted by the University of Northern Iowa. He is only the second non NCAA Division I athlete to be selected for this event in 38 years of existence. He is the first to win it. Willson is a four time All-American and was named NAIA Outstanding Wrestler at the National Championships for 2003 and 2004. He is ranked 2nd All time Winningest Wrestler at MSU Northern.

Willson competed at heavyweight eight times and defeated the two-time NJCAA National Champion Heavyweight by scores of 10-4 and 14-3. He defeated eight Division I national qualifiers, defeated the 2004 NCAA Division I 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 7th place qualifiers head to head. All others were beaten in tournaments that Emmett won, including Damion Hahn, the NCAA Division I Champion for the last two years, at Las Vegas.

"It is a great honor to receive this award. Northern and the community of Havre has given me so much, I am thrilled to be able to give them something back," says Willson of his award.

Criteria used to select the Hodges Trophy winner include dominance on the mat, number of pins, record, past credentials, quality of competition, sportsmanship, citizenship, and heart.

Info, Disclaimer, Executive Council & Directors