(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – March 5, 2026) The Algoma University Thunderbirds varsity wrestling teams delivered a strong performance at the 2026 USPORTS Wrestling Championship, highlighted by a silver medal finish from first-year student athlete Brandon Carrillo.
The national championship, hosted by Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, took place over two days on February 27 and 28, and featured top collegiate wrestlers from across Canada. Algoma University qualified 10 student-athletes for the championship, marking the highest number of qualifiers in the program’s history.
Carrillo earned a second-place finish in the 57 kg weight class after an impressive tournament run. The rookie wrestler won his pool with an undefeated record before narrowly losing the gold medal match by a single point, 9 to 8.
“Representing Algoma University at the USPORTS Championships this year, we had some great performances by our young Thunderbirds team,” said Head Coach Trevor Manchester. “First-year wrestler Brandon Carrillo was a standout, winning his pool with no losses and being a single point away from the gold medal. This caps off an outstanding year for our rookie, where Brandon was named an OUA Second Team All-Star and a Second Team All-Canadian in his first season.”
Manchester also highlighted strong performances from Becca Gutteridge and Lilah Fraser, who both finished fourth in their respective weight classes. “The coaching staff is extremely proud of the amount of heart demonstrated by the entire team, and we are already looking forward to next year, where the future is bright.”
With a record number of national qualifiers and several strong finishes, the Thunderbirds wrestling program continues to build momentum on the national stage. Full results are outlined below. To learn more about Thunderbirds Athletics, visit algomathunderbirds.ca.
Individual Results
Brandon Carrillo – 2nd (57 kg)
Becca Gutteridge – 4th (59 kg)
Lilah Fraser – 4th (83 kg)
Rebecca Vann – 5th (50 kg)
Jace Anderson – 5th (125 kg)
Ajay Guitard – 7th (100 kg)
Will Lewey – 8th (90 kg)
Anthony Nighbor – 8th (82 kg)
Felisity McDonald – 9th (72 kg)
William Mitchell – 10th (68 kg)
Team Results
Men’s Team – 8th overall
Women’s Team – 9th overall
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