Ray Takahashi was coached while a student at Western by Glynn Leyshon and Josip Mrkoci. As a member of London-Western and a mustang, Takahahashi won four CIAU(CIS) titles, and competed in numerous international competitions representing Canada. He was named Canadian Wrestler of the year twice (1978, 1984) and was inducted into the Canadian Wrestling Hall of Fame (CAWA) in 1991. After his third Olympic team in 1984 (placed 4th), Takahashi returned to Western to pursue graduate work which led to the mustang coaching position in 1985.
Takahashi coached the mustangs to OUA team titles in 1990, 91, 93, and one CIS title in 1990. The women mustangs won their first OUA team title in 2007. Under his leadership, Takahashi established the Wrestling Wall of Fame in 1985, implemented the women’s program in 1996-97, and inaugurated the Leyshon Trophy (Most Dedicated Wrestler), and the Leyshon Award (financial need award). Takahashi was selected as OUA coach of the year 6 times, including women’s coach of the year four times. He was CIS coach of the year in 1990.
Currently, Takahashi is a Faculty member in the School of Kinesiology and is married to wife, Janet, with two children, daughter Mariko, and son Steven.
Sport Education:
•BA (Hon) 1982, The University of Western Ontario
•MA (Coaching Specialization) 1988, The University of Western Ontario
•NCCP Level 4 Wrestling, ChPC
•Judo Black Belt (Kodokan 3rd Degree)
photo by Mike Ramsay
| FILA Data base performance results |
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Additional events not listed in FILA data base:
1980 Olympic Games FS 52 kg (team member)
1977 Junior World Championships FS 52 kg 5th
1976 Olympic Games FS 48 kg 11th