Mustangs medal at McMaster, Nov 6, 2010

Five Mustangs win medals at McMaster Invitational, Nov 6, 2010 (Hamilton)

Five mustangs placed at the McMaster Invitational Wrestling Tournament for a solid performance by both the men and women’s teams.  Jordan Swail took the men’s 57 kg silver losing to defending OUA champion, Gaston Tardif (LU) in the final. Teammate, Scott Wheatley won the bronze in the 82 kg weight class.  The mustangs recorded two in the top five with Josh Dawson (76 kg) and Matt Hutchison (90 kg) both taking 5^th place in their respective divisions.  It was a good opening meet for most, with only a select group competing the week earlier at the Concordia Invitational in Montreal. 

In the women’s division, Liz Sera lost in the 55 kg final placing 2^nd ahead of teammate, Brianne Barry who placed 3^rd, although they did not compete against each other.  Both lost to eventual champion,   from Lindenwood, MO, USA.  London-Western teammate, Olivia Gunnell placed 3^rd at 59 kg, while mustang Larissa D’Alleva was 3^rd at 63 kg.  Christine Schmidt placed 4^th at 72 kg.  Unfortunately, Shelby Riddell was forced to withdraw due to injury during her first match.  “I’m hoping Shelby will be okay — she’s been working hard to get to a competitive level,” says coach Ray Takahashi.

 

The mustangs are at the Toronto Open held in Ajax, Nov 13.  It’s expected that top rookies, Ilya Abelev and Steven Takahashi will make their opening debut as mustangs at this event.  Both are national juvenile (U18) champions. 

McMaster Invitational Summary

Women

• 55 Liz Sera – 2nd
• 55 Brianne Barry – 3^rd
• 59 Olivia Gunnel* – 3^rd
• 63 Larissa D’Alleva – 3^rd
• 55 Sara Pattenaude* – 4^th
• 72 Christine Schmidt – 4^th

Men

• 57 Jordan Swail – 2^nd
• 82 Scott Wheatley – 3^rd
• 76 Josh Dawson – 5^th
• 90 Matt Hutchison – 5^th

Honourable mention:  “I thought Sammy (Hanna)  and Matt (Hutchison) had  good tournaments.  Both competed hard and showed they have the ability to compete at the varsity level with further improvement.” 

Freshman, Sammy Hanna, attempts to turn his opponent to his back (76 kg)