LONDON, THUNDER BAY – Sports – The Thunderwolves women’s wrestling team brought home their first tournament banner of the season, as they beat out the host Western Mustangs for top spot on the women’s side of the draw in the Western Open over the weekend. Placing 3rd was the 2011-12 OUA and CIS Champion Brock Badgers. 

Thunderwolves Women Captured Championship

All 9 of Lakehead’s female wrestlers placed in the Top 6 in their respective weight divisions (thus earning team points). On the men’s side, 5 of the 9 Thunderwolves placed in the top 6. 

Emma Horner was Lakehead’s top performing wrestler on the day, claiming the gold medal in the 55kg division. Megan Smith (48kg) and Laurel Knowles (59kg) made it to the gold medal match but had to settle for silver at the end of the day. 

On the men’s side, Cedar Fleurant led the T-wolves with a silver medal finish in the 68kg. 

Coach Brock Curtis stated, “I’m happy with our results. We had nine men and nine women wrestlers compete this weekend and all of them had tough matches that pushed them and exposed plenty of areas to work on”.

“Not all of our wrestlers had the results they’ve come to expect, but we’re in good shape with two weeks until the OUA Championships,” continued Coach Curtis. “It adds fuel to the fire to bring back into the practice room. Our women’s team for the first time this season won the tournament, which is nice as we’re seeing good results as a team and yet we’re still so young with lots of room for improvement.”

The wrestling teams will prepare to do battle next at the OUA Championships, hosted by Brock University in 2 weeks. 

Thunderwolves Women’s Wrestling Team

1st: Emma Horner – 55kg

2nd: Megan Smith – 48kg; Laurel Knowles – 59 kg; 

3rd: Nichole Kinzel – 51kg

4th: Kate Beualieu – 82kg; Alexi Kreps – 55kg

5th: Kelsey Dayler 72kg; Sara Cattani 67kg

6th: Jenny Pranger – 63kg

Thunderwolves Men’s Wrestling Team

2nd: Cesar Fleurant – 68kg

3rd: AJ Faykes – 68kg

4th: Scott Christian – 72kg

5th: Mike Caprarella – 68kg; Tom Bentley – 82kg

3 other Lakehead men’s wrestlers did not place in the top 6:

Tyler Ashurst – 72kg

Ben Westaway – 

Nik Wilson – 82kg