HAMILTON, Ont. — The McMaster wrestling season kicks off as the Marauders host their annual invitational at Burridge Gym this weekend. The Marauders men and women will look to set the tone for the season as they begin their journey towards the championship season.

The McMaster men's wrestling program are looking to finally get over the hump as the 2023-24 OUA Championship silver medalists led by strong mix of returning athletes and incoming talent.

Third-year athlete Gregor McNeil (North York, Ont.) is expected to be a leader for the Marauders. The commerce major is entering competition as the reigning OUA and U SPORTS champion in the 68 kg class. His double gold medal performance saw him be recognized the U SPORTS Wrestling of the Year, as well as being named McMaster's Ivor Wynne Award winner, presented annually to the Male Athlete of the Year.

Alongside McNeil, Blayne Helou (Pickering, Ont.), and Irman Kang (Caledon, Ont.) both had solid years last year and will be expected to produce for the Marauders. Helou and Kang both performed well at both the OUA and U SPORTS Championships, earning bronze medals at each championship. First year athletes Luke Bistoyong (Hamilton, Ont.) and Eric Iatan (Oakville, Ont.) will look to make an impact for the Marauders.

The McMaster women are a veteran laden squad, as the team works towards their goal of competing provincial and national gold. Serena Di Benedetto (Hamilton, Ont.) had an incredible season in 2023-24 for the Marauders. The 2022 OUA Rookie of the Year earned both OUA and U SPORTS gold in the 53 kg class, earning her the designation of U SPORTS Wrestler of the Year. Just last week, Di Benedetto earned a silver medal at the U23 World Championships for Team Canada. It was her fifth time representing Canada. McMaster will expect another big year from Di Benedetto, who enters the year as the reigning Thérèse Quigley Award winner as McMaster female athlete of the year.

Veteran Marauders, Macy Malysiak (Brampton, Ont.) and Olivia Lichti (New Hamburg, Ont.) will also need to be big pieces for the Marauders to succeed. Malysiak, a fifth-year athlete, had an impressive season in 2023-24 as she earned gold at the OUA Championships. Lichti had a standout performance in the U SPORTS Championship as she took home the silver medal in the 62 kg class, following a bronze medal performance at the OUA championship.
The 2024 season will have championship aspirations for both of Ahmed Shamiya's squads. The Marauders are confident they have what it takes.

The McMaster Open kicks off on Sunday, November 3^rd as the Marauders welcome wrestlers from across the province to the Burridge Gymnasium. Admission is free.