After a season of building, and re-building, the York University Lions wrestling team is preparing to ascend Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie for the 2024 OUA championships.
On the men's side, head coach Bernard Sanchez, who is in wrapping up his second season in that role after taking over prior to the 2022-23 campaign, has implemented a number of new concepts with his group. On the women's side, meanwhile, Sanchez has re-built a team of just three wrestlers in 2022-23 to eight this season, five of which are in their first year of eligibility.
Sanchez says the growth of the teams this season, physically, tactically and psychologically, has been extremely satisfying.
"This season has been immensely gratifying as our athletes wholeheartedly embraced the new training regimen implemented last year," Sanchez said. "Witnessing their marked improvement in movements, techniques, and mental resilience fills me, as a coach, with immense satisfaction, knowing that they are experiencing personal growth both on and off the mat."
He has heavily relied upon veterans Stephan Niron and Erin Corrado to take leadership roles on the team, both vocally and by example. Both have performed well this season, each picking up a third place finish – Corrado at the U of T Open and Niron at the Western Open. As the championships near, Sanchez says two others on the men's side have really caught his eye.
"Two standout wrestlers, Russell Menard and Tristan Whitworth-Ellis, have consistently displayed unwavering toughness and determination in every competition," he said. "Their relentless efforts, pushing their opponents to earn every point scored, have been a pleasure to witness as they continue to evolve and excel."
The Lions women's program underwent a massive personnel overhaul in the offseason with seven new wrestlers joining the fray – Corrado the only familiar face from last season. Sanchez is thrilled with the speed at which his team has gelled and become competitive.
"Rebuilding offers the opportunity to start anew, and this year, we've witnessed remarkable progress on the women's side," he said. "Athletes like Esther Tothi consistently clinching top placements, Erin Corrado breaking through to secure victories, and Prableen Randhawa, our promising rookie and former Ofsaa champion, transitioning seamlessly into the varsity circuit, have been a source of pride for the team."
Despite having to learn an entirely new system from last season, it's between the ears where Sanchez says the men have made the most incremental strides.
"Our most notable improvement this season has been in mental fortitude. The team now embodies the pride and resilience of a lion, approaching each match with unwavering determination to give their all, regardless of the outcome," he said. "Our motto, 'one point at a time,' serves as a constant reminder that every effort contributes to our journey towards dominance on the wrestling mat."
While match wins and podium finishes are good, Sanchez knows – especially with a young group – there are several other factors indicative of a successful championships for the Lions.
"Success, for us, is defined not solely by victories but by the commitment to give 100% on the mat," Sanchez said. "In wrestling, a match's outcome doesn't always reflect the effort invested; hence, our focus remains on delivering our best performance every time. Whether we win, lose, or draw, leaving everything on the mat is our ultimate goal, knowing that each effort brings us closer to our aspirations of championship success."
The championships begin Saturday, Feb. 10 at 10:00 am, with live streams of all three mats live on OUA.tv.
