Western team captain Zachary Ortencio competes in a scramble during the 68-kilogram final at the Western Open at Alumni Hall on Jan. 18. Photo by Jaidyn Lunn
LONDON, Ont. — Western wrestling won six gold medals and the combined team title at the Western Open on Jan. 18 at Alumni Hall, defeating 36 other teams from Ontario universities, the United States and local high schools.
The women’s team finished first overall, while the men's team finished second, securing the combined team title. Four of the six gold medals came from the women’s division, reflecting the program depth across multiple weight classes.
The Western Open is a large event hosted by the Western Wrestling program each year and draws a wide range of competition, including university athletes, elite club wrestlers and high school competitors. Matches ran throughout the day across five mats inside Alumni Hall, giving athletes the opportunity to test themselves in a high-level competitive environment on home soil.
Western wrestlers reached seven finals during the tournament and won six of those matches, turning strong performances into podium finishes. The results highlighted both individual success and overall team consistency as the program continues through the middle of its competitive season.
Team captain Zachary Ortencio won gold in the 68-kilogram weight class after making adjustments from a previous matchup earlier in the season.
“I wrestled him at the last tournament, so I knew there were a few things I needed to tighten up going into this match,” Ortencio said. “I focused on making those adjustments.”
Ortencio’s win contributed to Western’s dominant showing in the finals and capped a strong day for the program in front of a home crowd.
Ivey Ludwig earned silver in the women’s 68-kilogram weight class and credited the home environment playing a role in her performance throughout the day.
Western wrestler Ivey Ludwig competes in the 68-kilogram final at the Western Open at Alumni Hall on Jan. 18. Photo by Jaidyn Lunn
“Wrestling is an individual sport, but you really feel the team support here,” Ludwig said. “Having teammates and coaches cheering you on keeps you going, especially in a close match.”
Head coach Scott Proctor said hosting the Western Open provided a valuable benchmark ahead of the Ontario University Athletic (OUA) championships in early February, which Western will host at Alumni Hall.
“This was exactly the kind of test we want at this point in the season,” Proctor said. “It gives us a clear sense of where we’re performing well and what we need to sharpen healing into OUAs.”
With the championship approaching, the Western Open offered athletes and coaches an opportunity to evaluate progress and identify areas for improvement. Several wrestlers who competed at the home tournament are expected to return to the mat in February at Western looks to build on it’s strong mid-season results.
