Brock Badgers wrestler Jevon Balfour has dominated his weight class this year at CIS competitions.The Brock University men’s and women’s wrestling teams will be looking to defend their national titles this weekend as they host the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) National Championships Friday, Feb. 26 and Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Bob Davis Gymnasium.
The Badgers are coming off one of their most dominating team performances ever at the 2016 Ontario University Athletics Championships recently in Sault Ste. Marie, where they won 13 of 19 possible gold medals to take the overall men’s and women’s titles. Brock has established a true wrestling dynasty having captured 33 OUA and 20 CIS championships. The goal is to win two more CIS titles at home this weekend.
The two-day meet, which returns to St. Catharines for the first time since 2006, gets under way Friday with the preliminary rounds and concludes Saturday with the placement matches (11 a.m.), bronze-medal bouts (12:30 p.m.) and finals (2:30 p.m.)
A year ago in Edmonton, the Badgers became the first program to sweep both CIS team banners for the second-consecutive season. The Brock women have claimed the last four national titles, matching Simon Fraser’s record run from 2003 to 2006. In men’s competition, the Badgers have claimed a record 15 banners since the inaugural CIS championships in 1969.
“Our preparation is designed around winning national championships,” said Brock head coach Marty Calder. “The results from the OUA championship weekend affirm our ability to be in the mix when we host the national meet.
“These CIS championships will be a big challenge. The strength of wrestling in Canada as well as the parity within our league offers us an opportunity to see where we stand. Two big tournaments in 12 days requires good preparation and a strong mind. We look forward to competing in front of our hometown crowd and vying for two national titles. It is going to be a great weekend,” Calder said.
The Badgers will be represented in each of the eight women’s weight classes this weekend and 10 of the 11 men’s divisions.
The Brock men’s team includes: Sam Jagas (54kg), Brian Cowan (57kg), Mizam Tamaradze (61kg), Zack Falcioni (65kg), Matt Jagas (68kg),Tyler Rowe (72kg), Chance Mutuku (76kg), Jevon Balfour (82kg), Clayton Pye (90kg) and Ignatius Pitt (100kg).
The Brock women’s team includes: Farrantina Gatta (48kg), Kristina Mclaren (51kg), Carlene Sluberski (55kg), Emily Schaefer (59kg),Indira Moores (63kg), Jessica Brouillette (67kg), Olivia Di Bacco (72kg) and Carmella Fleurant (82kg).
Weekend passes to attend the championships are $15 and single day tickets are $10. Brock students are free at the door with student ID.
CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE (All matches in Bob Davis Gym)
Friday, February 26
10:00 a.m. – CIS Competition #1
1:00 p.m. – CIS Competition #2
3:30 p.m. – CIS Competition #3
Saturday, February 27
11:00 a.m. – 5th-8th Place Matches
12:30 p.m. – Bronze Medal Matches
2:30 p.m. – Gold Medal Matches
*Note: Matches will be streamed online at www.cis-sic.tv
PAST CIS TEAM CHAMPIONS
Women (inaugural women’s championship in 1999)
2015 Brock
2014 Brock
2013 Brock
2012 Brock
2011 Alberta
2010 Simon Fraser
2009 Calgary
2008 Simon Fraser
2007 Calgary
2006 Simon Fraser
2005 Simon Fraser
2004 Simon Fraser
2003 Simon Fraser
2002 Brock
2001 Calgary
2000 Calgary
1999 Calgary
Men (last 20 years)
2015 Brock
2014 Brock
2013 Alberta
2012 Concordia
2011 Concordia
2010 Simon Fraser
2009 Simon Fraser
1999 to 2008 Brock (10 straight titles)
1998 Regina
1997 Regina
1996 Brock
More information is available on the CIS 2016 Wrestling Championships website
