Dene Ringuette of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues wrestling team won a gold medal and was named the 2009 McMaster Invitational most valuable player on Saturday, October 31 in Hamilton, Ont.

Competing in the men's 76kg class, Ringuette (Kingston, Ont.) defeated McMaster’s Carter Nichol in the first round and went on to beat Mike Katsilas of the Guelph Gryphons, 3-1, to secure his placement in the semifinals.

The neuroscience specialist student beat York’s Ruslan Bollaev 4-0 and went on to record his first career victory over Chris Laverick of the Brock Badgers, 3-1, to claim the gold medal.

“It's nice to have some success at this point but I'm sure that Chris will be training hard for the rematch,” said Ringuette. “I'm looking forward to it.”

With the win, Ringuette remains undefeated after two tournaments this season.

“Dene wrestled really well,” said head coach Mike Quinsey. “He's been focussing on his conditioning this year and that's been a big factor in his success.”

Brock went on to take the tournament with 32 points. Golden West College and Lakehead University followed close behind with 30 and 29 points, respectively.

Bojan Kladnjackovic and James Flannery also competed for the Blues in the senior men’s 65 kg and the senior men’s 82kg categories. 

Full Results

The Varsity Blues return to the mats next Saturday, November 7 at the GTA Open in Ajax, Ont.

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite Toronto teams, please visit the home of the Varsity Blues at http://www.varsityblues.ca.