Mustangs win at OUA’s!

OUA Wrestling Championships. February 11, 2012.  (HAMILTON, Ont)

The mustang men’s team won their first OUA (Ontario University Athletics) wrestling title since 1994 at McMaster’s Burridge Gym. 

Second year mustang, Ilya Abelev won the OUA individual gold at 68 kg, and the  Keegan Trophy — the men’s Outstanding Wrestler Award, while coach, Ray Takahashi was voted Men’s Coach of the Year.   Teammate, Brianne Barry won the Outstanding Female Award,and the 55 kg gold,  leading the women’s team to an overall third place team finish. 

Ilya Abelev finishes the single leg directly to the back to score 3 points.

Western clinched the men’s title with a combined 73 points, only five points ahead of silver medallist McMaster.  McMaster tied Brock with a score of 68 points but took second place by having more individual gold medallists with four compared to Brock’s two.

The depth of the mustang team was the key with eight of ten team members qualifying for the CIS Championships by placing in the top 3 of their division.  “It was a total team effort,” said coach, Ray Takahashi.  “Everyone wrestled very well — even after some disapointing losses, several team members stepped-up and rebounded well to secure valuable team points.”  Fes (Rishav Ranjit) rebounded strong as did Josh Proctor who both took bronze to qualify to the CIS Championships.  Rookie, Richard Balfour won the silver in the 61 kg division.

Strong performances were recorded from Sammy Hanna (72 kg), Eric Jacobson (76 kg), Matt Hutchinson (82 kg), Kevin Ens (90 kg) and Shawn Wheatley who performed well in the heavy-weight division.  Defending champion, Steven Takahashi, was in “no trouble” in the 54 kg division having no points scored on him. 

The Brock women won their twelfth title in program history finishing with a combined score of 68 points.  Lakehead and Western fought it out for silver with the Thunderwolves edging the Mustangs by a lone point 51 to 50.

Brianne Barry drives Sydney Duggan (McMaster) out of position.  Brianne won the 55 kg gold and was named tournament MVP.

The CIS championships will be hosted at the Lakehead Thunderdome in two weeks (February 24-25). 

Results summary

Men’s Results:

• 1^st   Steven Takahashi  54 kg
• 1^st  Ilya Abelev 68 kg
• 2^nd  Richard Balfour  61 kg
• 2nd  Sammy Hanna 72 kg
• 2^nd  Eric Jacobson  76 kg
• 2^nd  Kevin Ens  90 kg
• 3^rd  Rishav Ranjit  57 kg
• 3^rd  Josh Proctor 65 kg
• 4^th  Matt Hutchinson  82 kg
• 5^th  Shawn Wheatley  HWT

Keegan Trophy (Outstanding Wrestler Award):  Ilya Abelev

Coach of the Year:  Ray Takahashi

Women’s Results:

• 1^st  Brianne Barry  55 kg
• 2^nd  Larissa D’Alleva  63 kg
• 3^rd  Valerie Ouellette  48 kg
• 3^rd  Andrea Wakelin  59 kg
• 3^rd  Monica Varallo  72 kg
• 4^th  Cassie Leigh  51 kg
• 4^th  Shelby Riddell  82 kg
• 5^th  Arllene Williams  67 kg

Women’s Outstanding Wrestler Award:  Brianne Barry

Women’s Team Results

• Brock 68
• Lakehead 51
• Western 50
• Guelph 48
• McMaster 29
• Queen’s 8
• Toronto 5 

Men’s Team Results

• Western 73
• McMaster 68
• Brock 68
• Guelph 56
• Lakehead 52
• Queen’s 24
• Toronto 12
• Laurentian 5
• York 3

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Mustang insider report (video clip): 

http://www.youtube.com/westernontmustangs#p/a/u/1/ual20GMsrMw

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Mustangs pick up OUA hardware, prepare for nationals

Monday, February, 13, 2012 – 9:09:30 PM. 

Click here:  http://www.londoncommunitynews.com/2012/02/mustangs-pick-up-oua-hardware-prepare-nationals/

Click here for Utube video — OUA Men’s team highlight

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xov8dp_western-wrestling-men-s-oua-team-highlight_sport

Thanks for the coverage!