Future looks bright on the mat
Feb. 4, 2009 - Regina Leader-Post
By Tim Switzer
Oh how Leo McGee would like to see his University of Regina Cougars rookie wrestlers keep their streak alive.
As members of the McGee-run Cattown Wrestling Club, first-year members of the Cougars men's team won their last three age-group team titles (the cadet championship in 2006 and juvenile titles in 2007 and 2008).
At least a few are expected to be a big part of the Cougars' plans as the team heads toward the Canada West and CIS championships.
Of the current crop of rookies, Kirk Ackerman (who won his weight division in each of Cattown's national championship years) and Connor Malloy (who has a gold and two silver medals from the club team's run) are the most likely to compete when it comes time for the major meets.
Others, like Gilbert Musonza, who won gold at the 2008 juvenile nationals, and Steven Schneider, who has a pair of bronze medals from that three-year span, could also be a part of the equation.
Rookies John Lendvoy, Clayton Kruda and Jesse Loffler may also be in the mix.
"First year of college wrestling is the toughest year," said McGee. "They come from backgrounds where they were heroes in their high schools. They were in Grade 12 which meant they were the oldest group. Now they're not anymore. The difference between a male athlete at 17 years old and 21 years old is shocking."
That said, McGee doesn't plan to take it easy on his young group.
"We expect them to compete," said McGee.
Those experiences together have members of the group already thinking about what they can do as university wrestlers.
"I'm one of the heavier first-years guys (172 pounds) and we've got a squad full of lightweights so if we can get some heavyweights next year, we'll be great," said Malloy, a LeBoldus graduate.
The team's continuity from the club level to the university level only stands to help the group in the long run.
"We know what it takes and we can help each other get there again," said Musonza.
The script that brought so many of Regina's top wrestlers together this year has been written for a number of years.
"We always knew we'd end up here and making an impact," said Ackerman. "In four or five years when we're on our way out, we'll have a super-strong program."
Which is exactly what McGee had hoped.
"They'll compete and it will be a tremendous experience to get this season under their belt," said McGee. "With the additional kids we have coming in, we're going in the right direction."