As of January 15, 2025, the Algoma Thunderbird women’s wrestling team has reached an impressive milestone, being ranked eighth overall in Canada in the latest USports national rankings. This remarkable achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of the athletes and coaching staff, solidifying Algoma University’s position as a powerhouse in collegiate wrestling.
The Thunderbirds boast eight individual wrestlers who are ranked in the top eight of their respective divisions, showcasing the depth of talent within the program. On the women’s team, six athletes have earned top rankings:
- Rebecca Vann (2nd Year, Business, Lubbock, Texas) is ranked fourth in the 50kg division.
- Becca Gutteridge (1st Year, English, London, Ontario) is ranked sixth in the 58kg division.
- Melissa Morrish (3rd Year, Psychology, Timmins, Ontario) is ranked sixth in the 68kg division.
- Kira Buck (3rd Year, Psychology, St. Thomas, Ontario) is ranked sixth in the 72kg division.
- Nevaeh Pine (1st Year, Law & Justice/Political Science, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) is ranked fifth in the 76kg division.
- Lilah Fraser (3rd Year, History, Renfrew, Ontario) is ranked fourth in the 83kg division.
In addition to the women’s successes, the Algoma men’s wrestling team also has two standout athletes earning national recognition:
- Jace Anderson (1st Year, Business Administration, Taylors, South Carolina) is ranked fifth in the 125kg division.
- Anthony Nighbor (2nd Year, Environmental Science, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin) is ranked fourth in the 76kg division.
These rankings highlight the strength and competitiveness of the Algoma wrestling program on the national stage. The team’s consistent performance underscores their commitment to excellence both on and off the mat.
Algoma Thunderbird wrestling coach Trevor Manchester told Saultsports that “having the women’s team ranked 8th in U Sports is a fantastic achievement, especially for a small university in Northern Ontario. Our student-athletes devote a large portion of their time to this sport. Considering all the workouts, practices, individual and small group sessions, as well as monitoring their diets and watching footage these wrestlers deserve every accomplishment and accolade.”
“Our team has stopped being seen as the “underdogs” and opponents you want for an easy win. It’s great to see the leaps and bounds our athletes have made this year, and considering the age of the team, we have very high hopes in the future,” added Manchester.
The Algoma Thunderbirds continue to build a legacy of success, and with these top-ranked athletes leading the way, the future of the program looks brighter than ever. Fans and supporters are encouraged to cheer on the team as they prepare for upcoming competitions and aim for even greater achievements in the 2025 season.
