In their first tournament of the season, the Algoma Thunderbirds wrestling team were dominate on the mats.
 
"Our coaching staff was extremely pleased with our first performance of the year.  We knew in advance that Lakehead would give a good showing.  The goal for the first half of the season is to get our young squad as much experience on the mats as possible, and this weekend was a great start. With 5 out of 6 of our varsity wrestlers that competed this weekend being rookies, we were still able to give a good showing and represent Algoma with pride," said Head Coach Trevor Manchester.
 
After taking a year off due to injuries, Natasha Doroodian (2015 CIS Silver medalist) returned to the mat in dominate fashion.  She beat both Emma Harja (Lakehead) and Dana Campbell (Lakehead) by technical superiority, 10-0. Doroodian gave up significant weight in her second match to Campbell, who was the 2016 year's OUA Bronze medalist.
 
Farhang Nouri, a rookie from Toronto, earned his first win of the season and first win as a Thunderbird. He defeated Jayden Murray (Lakehead) 10-0 by technical superiority. Nouri showed his development as a wrestler as he was able to incorporate his game plan and control the pacing of the match.
 
"First year wrestlers Earl McKinney and Farhang Nouri had a great weekend, both gaining valuable mat experience.  Farhang was able to pick up his first win of the season in dominating fashion.  Earl wasn't able to take home a win, but wrestled well and will be someone to look out for by the end of the season."
 
Stephen Kreyenbuhl, another Algoma rookie from Chicago, Illinois, also earned his first win. Kreyenbuhl earned the win after Drew Anderson (Lakehead) was disqualified.
 
"Being the first competition of the season with such a young team, the performance by all was great on an individual level. We have tremendous potential and are excited to see what future competition holds for our new and returning athletes," added Allan Middleton, Assistant Coach of the squad.