Wrestlers set off for glory

By Kris Kotarski

One thing’s for sure; the U of C’s wrestling squads are ready to reclaim their spot at the top of Canada’s wrestling perch after they were stung by last year’s defeats at nationals.

The men’s and the women’s squads have put in a tremendous effort to regain top-spot in the country, and heading into next weekend’s Canada West Conference Championships, the Dino women are ranked second in the country and the men third.

“We’re looking to win Can Wests,” said an enthusiastic Erica Sharp who enters the meet ranked first in the 53kg category. “It’s going to be an exciting tournament.”

Sharp, along with fellow Canadian gold medalist Breanne Graham will move up a weight category or two to help the team become more competitive.

On the men’s side, the trio of Mike Stitt, David Kooperberg and Ryan Andrusky all enter competition ranked first in their respective weight classes. While Simon Fraser and Brock Universities are likely to pose a serious threat, the Dinos only need one or two surprise finishes from the other men along with what’s expected of the big three in order to win the national championship.

This weekend’s Canada West Championships will show whether the Dinos are up to the challenge. With veterans like Sharp and Stitt, and rookies like Huy Nguyen and filed hockey transplant Kelsey Barrie, the Dinos’ chances are looking good.

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