3 Gold at Toronto Open, Nov 14/09

Western’s Ian Patton won the gold at the Toronto Open. 

Patton, a Mustangs veteran, won the heavyweight gold in his return to the mats after a two-year absence. A Kinesiology graduate student, won all four matches in the 130 kg division. 

“The solid performance was important for Ian to get back into competition and measure where he stands in the OUA,” (coach) Takahashi said. “Although, early in the season, Patton’s successful return shows he will be a contender at the OUA and CIS Championships.”  

Takahashi said his experience showed by controlling the close tie-up position with an “underhook” and attacking from the “outside” with standing leg-attacks.  

Meanwhile, women’s teammate, Liz Sera, was outstanding as she defeated Lakehead’s Aislynn Torfason in a tie-breaking third round to win one of four medals by the Mustangs women.     Sera, a third-year Winnipeg native, who previously lost to Torfason recorded her first tournament victory this season.  

Patton, in his final year of eligibility, was able to use his power and size to effectively use zone tactics by pressuring his opponents near the edge of the mat.  “He’s so explosive,” says mustang high-performance coach, Saeed Azarbayjani.  

The mustang women tied for first overall in team standings along with Brock with 27 points, ahead of third place Guelph (12 points), followed by Lakehead (11 points).

Photo 1:  Ian Patton wins the Gold in the 130 kg class at the Toronto Open. 

Other mustang men in the Top 6 were Adam Argue (4th, 68 kg), Josh Proctor (5th, 68 kg), Shawn Wheatley (5th, 90 kg) and Nick Bradley (6th, 82 kg).  

Women’s rookie stand-out, Larissa D’Alleva, also won gold in the 63 kg division. Brianne Barry (55 kg) won the silver medal losing to national team member Jessica Bondy-MacDonald of Brock (0-1, 2-3) in a solid performance, while teammate Lesley McCallum (London, Ont.) took bronze in the same weight defeating Alicia Hubbard (New England) by pin.  Olivia Gunnell, representing London-Western, placed 3^rd at 59 kg. 

Barry, Sera, and Gunnell, along with Mustang Jennifer Nguyen will compete in the highly touted New York Athletic Club Tournament, Nov. 21 in New York City.

WESTERN RESULTS
1st 130 kg Ian Patton
1st  59 kg Liz Sera
1st  63 kg Larissa D’Alleva
2nd 55 kg Brianne Barry
3rd 55 kg Lesley McCallum
3rd 59 kg Olivia Gunnell (Representing London-Western Wrestling Club)
4th 68 kg Adam Argue
5th  68 kg Josh Proctor
5th 90 kg Shawn Wheatley
6th 82 kg Nick Bradley

Photo:  Liz Sera digs for the underhook.  She won the match and the gold at 59 kg