Seven Algoma Thunderbird Wrestlers Headed to 2024 National Championships in Guelph

Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos

The atmosphere was electric as wrestling enthusiasts gathered at the George Leach Centre in Sault Ste. Marie for the highly anticipated 2024 OUA Wrestling Championships on February 10, 2024. With fierce competitors from eleven schools, the stage was set for an unforgettable display of athleticism and determination.

With ten Thunderbirds competing in the championship, there was a lot to be excited about. Former medalists Kyle Price and Lilah Fraser were among some of the athletes to have an eye out for.

Kyle Price, who placed first at 100kg last year, successfully defended his title. This year, after wrestling against McMaster’s Howard Moffat, Price won by fall (1:54) to place first at 90kg.

“It was an amazing experience hosting the tournament and having the home crowd for support. I had a solid OUA performance but there’s still lots to work on in preparations for USports”, says Price.

Price was also selected for the Keegan Trophy, which acknowledges the Most Outstanding Male Wrestler for the competition. This award is voted on by OUA coaches.

Lilah Fraser placed fourth at 76kg last year as a rookie. This year, she won by fall over Queens’ Marthe Laplante-Brady (1:41) to score herself the bronze medal at 83kg.

“Going into OUAs I felt good and was excited about our school hosting. All day I felt great even after losing my first match. I was feeling good and confident about my other matches that day and I had lots of fun. Winning bronze in our school gym felt amazing. The school, team, and family support was so great to have. This competition by far was the most fun and great day of competition I’ve had all season. I’m looking to bring this positivity and confidence into USports and to just have fun as I look to improve my results from last season’s USports 6th place finish,” says Fraser.

A rookie to the team this year, Anthony Nighbor of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin won by fall over Western’s Charles Ortencio (0:30). This will mark Nighbor’s first OUA Championship.

“The overall competition on Saturday went well with a lot of tough matches and a good atmosphere. Seeing some of the students come out to support the wrestlers was great to see and I was glad I could push through to win some tough matches and place as a first year. It was definitely an experience having that “home field” feeling. I am definitely looking forward to competing at USports and hoping to set new goals for myself in the future for myself and the whole team,” says Nighbor.

We couldn’t be more proud of our athletes! A common theme noted by the athletes was being able to compete at home. This event marked the first major wrestling event at the GLC since 2018. Indeed, the passionate fans unveiled an immense amount of pride and energy to the overall experience.

The Algoma U Wrestling team will be sending seven athletes who have qualified for USports, the most the team has ever sent to the National Championships! Last year, Kyle Price won bronze at 100kg and Lilah Fraser placed 6th at 76kg. The event will be held on March 2nd in Guelph.

Men’s Wrestling
57 kg – Sullivan Valdez
72 kg – Anthony Nighbor
90 kg – Kyle Price

Women’s Wrestling
53 kg – Rebecca Vann
68 kg – Mel Morrish
72 kg – Kira Buck
83 kg – Lilah Fraser

Source: Algoma Thunderbird Athletics

Saultsports

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

×

Hello!

Click one of our contacts below to chat on WhatsApp

× How can I help you?