This season didn’t start out how Moose Jaw’s Taylor Follensbee had hoped, but she’s healthy and back on track.

The University of Saskatchewan Huskies’ fifth-year returned from missing a month with a concussion to go undefeated and capture a gold medal at the annual Huskie Open at the end of November.

Her stellar performance earned her the Huskies’ Female Athlete of the Week.

“It was a good weekend back,” she said.  “It was good to come away with that and start the season off with a bang, I came out and wrestled well, so it was a good start.”

Follensbee suffered a concussion during a practice session at the start of November. It caused her to miss the Commonwealth Games trials and the start of the season with the Huskies.

She wasted no time getting back on track in her return however, posting a perfect 4-0 record with no points scored against her during the Huskie Open.

“I could have been back a bit early, but I wanted to play it smart and be wise and that helped a lot with (coming back at full strength),” said Follensbee.

Having to deal with the concussion at the start of the season was disappointing for Follensbee, especially after training hard over the summer to prepare for her final year at the U Sports level and with a new program.

Follensbee was with the University of Manitoba Bisons last season, but they had the program cut this spring.

She said she’s proud of how she was able to return to mat.

“My training partner was bugging me about it the other day because I come back as a Husky and wrestle at the Huskie (Open) for my first meet back and get Athlete of the Week, it was crazy,” said Follensbee.  “It’s overwhelming a bit, actually.”

After a success return, the Vanier Collegiate graduate is looking keep that role going for the rest of the season.

“I’ve got some pretty lofty goals set for myself, so it’s nice that I’m making the right steps and it’s good to see that all the work and dedication and all the stuff that I’ve been through with the sport is working out,” she said.  “I’m getting the things that I want and meeting the goals that I want.”

Follensbee and the Huskies’ wrestling team will return to action coming up on Jan. 12-13 when the head to the Golden Bear Open.