
By Larry Moko
Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School literally rolled out the welcome mats for some of the top young wrestlers from across Canada.
The occasion was the annual Bishop Ryan Open tournament.
On Friday, about 370 competitors from nine provinces and one territory gathered at the east Mountain school for the showcase event.
"There were some really great matches," said Bishop Ryan coach Sheldon Francis. "It was a good tournament."
The action served as a preview to the Canada Summer Games which are scheduled to be held Aug. 8-25 in St. John's.
"Since this is a Canada Summer Games year, a lot of people are here trying to figure out where they are at and if they are going to make the team," Francis said. "It's big for everyone."
Forty-two teams took part. Of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District schools, Bishop Ryan came fifth in the standings while St. Thomas More was seventh.
"I learned a lot of things today, which is all I can ask for," said Jaslene Niculita of BR who placed second in the girls' 72-kilogram division.
"It was really challenging. It's for everyone in Canada, so it makes me feel better about my accomplishment. It was a good experience. It kind of motivates me."
Niculita captured the city and Golden Horseshoe Athletic Conference titles last season. This is her third year in the sport. Niculita also finished second last week at the Blessed Trinity tournament.
"I feel pretty positive about this year," she said. "The team as a whole is phenomenal, with a good community."
Niculita's Celtic teammates Taylor Engelen and Ella De Almeida also turned in impressive performances, finishing first and second, respectively, in the girls' 61k and 67.5k.
Gia Bedour of St. Thomas More won all five of her matches to end up on top in girls' 51k.
More's Yousef Al-Udayli dropped his first match then won seven straight on his way to a third in 72k.
Nathan Nash finished first in boys' 64k while Aydan Cook of More was second in boys' 57.5k.
Some of the out-of-province visitors had the opportunity to wrestle on the weekend at the Matmen Classic in Brampton before returning home.
Said Francis: "Team Nunavut was with us (Thursday) at our practice and did some talks here at the school."
The OFSAA championships are scheduled for March 4-5 at the Memorial Auditorium in Kitchener.
Photos by Richard Andoga
More photos on the HWCDSB Athletics Facebook page here



