Montana State Northern Lights & Skylights Athletics

2023-24…Vanek came into the season with a ton of momentum and it carried him through at the beginning of the season.  Austin placed 5^th at the Grand View Open, 3^rd at the Spokane Open and 2^nd at the Battle of the Rockies. At the Cascade Conference Championships, Austin fell short of an automatic qualifying spot, but coaches knew his body of work over the season and he was awarded an at-large bid to the compete at his second consecutive NAIA National Championships.  Austin fell short of becoming a 2x All-American in a very competitive weight class, but his season was stellar nonetheless. 
2022-23…Austin was a phenom in his true freshman season.  He had multiple HUGE wins in duals and was just as tough at tournaments.  During his freshman campaign, Austin had a season record of 28-19 with 19 wins coming by pin.  Austin placed 4^th at the Spokane Open, 3^rd at the Battle of the Rockies and 2^nd at the Tyler Plummer Classic.  In his first post season tournament he placed 5^th at the Cascade Conference Championships which earned him an automatic bid for the NAIA National Championships.  At Nationals, Austin avenged one of his losses from Conference by beating Kyle Knudtson of EOU.  Austin went on to earn his first All-American honor placing 7^th. 
HIGH SCHOOL…A 4x Montana State Placer and 2x State Champion going 1^st, 1^st, 3^rd and 3^rd.  Austin also competed at the 2022 NHSCA Senior Nationals in Virginia Beach becoming an All-American by placing 4^th. 
PERSONAL…Born 4-6-2004…Criminal Justice Major
PARENTS…Joe and Ashley Vanek