(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON- February 20, 2020): Five members of the Algoma University Thunderbirds Wrestling team are at Brock University this Friday and Saturday where they will be competing at the USports National Wrestling Championships. The Thunderbirds will be joining the top University wrestlers from across the country to compete for the national championships in their respective weight divisions.
Three Algoma wrestlers recently earned medals at the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Championships held earlier this month. Brody Collison (Gold – 54 KG), Bryce Davis (Bronze – 68 KG) and Emily Duchesne (Bronze – 51 KG) will compete at nationals along with Stephen Kreyenbuhl and David Sierra. Collison’s top finish at OUA’s was a first for the Algoma varsity program.
“What an accomplishment for our wrestling team to have five members heading to the USports National Championships this week,” shared President and Vice-Chancellor Asima Vezina. “Over the last couple of years, this team has climbed to the national stage and we couldn’t be prouder. Our entire community is cheering them on – go for gold Thunderbirds – we believe in you! “
“It feels good to see the work we’ve put in pay off,” shared Kreyenbuhl. “It takes a lot to get to the point where we are at as a team – so seeing it come together my last year is a great feeling. I am really looking forward to this weekend, and I can’t wait to see what we can do on the mat.”
Head Coach Trevor Manchester knows the team has come a long way, and heading to the USports Nationals reaffirms that what the Thunderbirds are doing is working. “The team has improved with its mat intelligence, often making smart decisions in the heat of the moment, while also working extremely hard to increase physical fitness, with the focus on maintaining explosiveness in the later minutes of a match. This weekend will certainly be a great test of their skill, and I look forward to it.”
A full schedule of matches is available on the USports Canada championship website. USports Canada has partnered up with CBC to live stream all the action, and AU will be broadcasting every match from the SpeakEasy. Get your friends together and come out to cheer on your Thunderbirds! Those who are unable to watch the matches at the university can view the live stream, here.
Let’s go Thunderbirds!
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