THUNDER BAY – Jessica Berhsatsky says having more wrestlers around to train against is why she’s improved so much on the mat.
The Lakehead University fifth-year senior took bronze at the McMaster Invitational last month, taking down a former OUA champion and U Sports all-star in the process.
For her effort the Watford, Ont. native was named Lakehead’s women’s wrestler of the month on Tuesday, as she returned to her on-again, off-again wrestling career for one final season at the university level.
“It feels really good,” she said. “It’s a great program that we have here at Lakehead. The last few years we’ve had a small, small team. This year we’ve actually expanded, so it’s awesome to have more than five girls in the room. It’s kind of exciting.”
Berhsatsky was an easy choice, said coach Francis Clayton, who made the decision to increase the roster this year from 13 to 31.
“They’re just straight out 100 per cent intense,” said Clayton, adding male wrestler of the month Kevin Leatherdale into the conversation.
“No matter who they wrestle, they’re just (great) start to finish.”
The two wrestlers were two of 10 LU athletes honoured at the monthly celebration, a group that included hockey’s Dylan Butler, volleyball’s Christie Lowe, skiers Camille Hamm and Levi Warkentine, track and field’s Rebekkah Pyle and Derek Patterson and basketball’s Leashja Grant and Nick Burke.
Women’s basketball coach Jon Kreiner said Grant, an NCAA transfer, has come as advertised. Grant was named most valuable player at the Bob FM non-conference tournament in Winnipeg. He put up 22.3 points per night and averaged 11.3 rebounds.
Those are all-OUA numbers, Kreiner said.
“She came in and did what she was supposed to do in the pre-season. We’re pretty happy with how things have gone so far, though I really do believe she has some areas that she can improve on,” Kreiner said, pointing to her fitness level as an example of an area where the Bahamian native can get better.
Burke’s numbers weren’t quite as shiny on the men’s side, but with an 11-point, six-board, four-assist average over six October games, he was just as important to his team.
“Nick’s had a pretty good couple of months here,” said coach Manny Furtado. “I know he dedicated himself to staying here this summer and doing some extra training this summer and I think it’s paid off. He just brings a whole different level of speed and intensity for us, getting into the paint. And off the court too with his leadership, making sure guys are doing what they’re supposed to do.”
Thunderwolves hockey coach Bill McDonald said Butler has simply continued the good play he brought to the ice last season.
Butler, a Thunder Bay native, has nine points in eight OUA games, leading the Wolves back over the .500 mark at 4-3-1 through eight games with a goal and eight helpers, tops on the team.
“He’s the type of kid that just comes to the rink. He’s no maintenance at all. He goes about his business and his work ethic in practice and in the games you can see what he does. He’s got a little bit of a knack and he sees the ice well.”
