Brayden Todd (in red) sets for a move on Jacob Torres, of Brampton Turner Fenton, in the 57.5-kilogram weight division final at the OFSAA wrestling championships. Todd won the gold medal with a 10-0 decision in 57 seconds. (photo / Rob J. Ross)
Friday, March 3, 2017
By Rob J. Ross
BRAMPTON, Ont. - Braydon Todd didn't waste any time winning another OFSAA gold medal.
His craving to have ice cream was that strong.
The Grade 11 athlete at Ingersoll DCI won his third consecutive OFSAA championship, needing only 57 seconds to mercy Jacob Alexander Torres, of Brampton Turner Fenton, 10-0, in the 57.5-kilogram weight class.
Since IDCI has no wrestling program, Todd trains at Lord Dorchester secondary school, with coach Jack Gunnell.
Todd
"I wanted to be on the offence as much as I could because I knew his offence was good as well. He's a very good wrestler," Todd said. "I decided to get to my attack right away."
Scoring a four point take-down with a few gut wrenches in the mix, helped Todd leave Torres on the mat wondering what just happened.
"I try to go in there and wrestle my match a million miles per hour. I put in the work at practice and it all comes together when I come to tournament," said Todd. "I was surprised. I was expecting it to be more of a battle but I'm pleased with the outcome."
Todd accomplishes one of the rare OFSAA feats, winning gold at three different weight categories.
In grade nine, Todd won at 44-kg, before jumping up to 51 last year and winning OFSAA.
"I'm kind of trying to do a Kyle Dake, win four titles at four different divisions. The pressure is on for next year," said Todd smiling.
Dake is a former wrestler at Cornell University who won four NCAA Division 1 National titles. Dake is the only wrestler in NCAA history to win National titles at four different weight classes.
Todd, now 15-0 over three OFSAA competitions, recalls his first provincial appearance as the most challenging.
"Grade 9 was my toughest OFSAA. I didn't know what I was coming into. I was the new guy and wasn't seeded one. Getting seeded first really helps, because you don't have to face the best guys to the end. In grade nine I had to come out of the dust."
Todd, who also wrestles for the London-Western cub, has a busy schedule during the high school season.
"I try to get in as much work in as I can. It is hard with homework though."
Following practice at LDSS, Gunnell takes Todd to Western for his club work out.
"He's an awesome coach. I love him. He's really good mentally, keeps you mentally strong," Todd says of Gunnell. "He's a different kind of coach. He has some old school moves some coaches don't like."
Upcoming for Todd are the Canadian Cadet / Juvenile championships, next month in Windsor.
A year ago, Todd won the provincial Cadet (50K) title and made the final at Canadians.
Last summer, with Team Canada, Todd competed at the Cadet Pan Am wrestling championships, in Lima, Peru.
Following this year's medal ceremony at OFSAA, Todd had one thing on his mind.
"I'm definitely having an ice cream."
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