The University of Fraser Valley wrestling program punctuated an impressive inaugural season by taking bronze at the Canada West championship last weekend.
CIS No. 4-ranked Alberta Golden Bears won the tournament with 45 points, just ahead of silver medalist Saskatchewan (43) and the Cascades (40).
“All around, I’m proud of our team,” said Raj Virdi, who serves as Cascades co-coach with Arjan Bhullar. “There were a couple matches that we lost where we shouldn’t have. But when you’re at a championship, those things can happen. I guess today just wasn’t our day.”
The Cascades were led by the Phulka brothers, Jasmit and Chanmit, with Jasmit winning his third Canada West individual gold medal of the season, finishing atop the 82 kg class and older brother Chanmit claiming the 100 kg crown.
The Cascades also picked up four individual silver medals: Aso Palani (61 kg), Devin Purewal (72 kg), Brad Hildenbrandt (90 kg) and Manheet Kalhon (120 kg). All four will join the Phulkas at the CIS national championships in Edmonton from Feb. 27 to 28.
Aman Kaler (65 kg) and Amrit Benning (68 kg) both finished fourth in their respective weight classes.
The UFV women’s team of Shae Corwin (51 kg), Julianna Bouwers (55 kg) and Aman Bains (59 kg) finished sixth overall with a combined total of four points. The host Dinos claimed the conference title with 44 points.