The Cowichan Valley Wrestling Club travelled to Vancouver on Jan. 25 to compete in the prestigious Seaforth Cup at the Seaforth Highlanders Regimental Armoury on Burrard Street.
"The Seaforth Cup continues to be a highlight of the wrestling season, showcasing the talent and determination of young athletes from across British Columbia," said Cowichan coach Nick Zuback.
The event drew more than 250 wrestlers from 42 schools across the province including a healthy Cowichan contingent from no fewer than five different schools.
Topping the valley schools, Quamichan School earned a seventh-place team finish, followed by Queen Margaret's School in 11th, Frances Kelsey Secondary School in 21st, and Duncan Christian School in 24th.
Standout performances included gold-medal victories by: QMS wrestler Carter Zuback (senior male - 66kg), Frances Kelsey's Antonio Iannidinardo (senior male - 78kg), Quamichan wrestlers James Elliott (junior male 74-78kg), and Aoife Mann (junior female - 57kg), as well as DCS athlete Elyssa Olson (junior female - heavyweight).
Earning silver were: Quamichan's Tyler Belanger (junior male - 70kg), QMS's Zachary Staicesku (senior male - 78kg), and Quw'utsun Secondary's Ross Meiner (senior male - 74kg).
Battling to bronze were: Quamichan wrestlers Noelle Klatt (junior female - heavyweight) and Morgan Elliot (junior male - 57kg).
Quamichan's Emily Ingram-Reid (junior female - heavyweight), and QMS athlete Amellia Korchinski (junior female - 57kg) both placed fourth while fifth place finishes went to Quamichan's Lidia Martinez (junior female - 51-54kg) and QMS's Jordanna Crawford-Starter (senior female - 54kg).
Tate Marston of QMS placed sixth overall (junior male - 63-66kg).
The Seaforth Cup was one of just two meets featuring Cowichan Valley Wrestling Club members over the weekend.
On Sunday, Jan. 26 a dedicated group of Cowichan wrestlers travelled to Abbotsford to compete in the 18th annual Miri Piri Invitational.
"The event brought together more than 300 wrestlers from 32 clubs from B.C. and Alberta, showcasing top-tier talent and fierce competition.
Fresh off a Seaforth Cup win the day before, Antonio Iannidinardo, delivered a stellar performance to yet again capture gold in his weight class.
In a standout match, Iannidinardo pinned an opponent who had previously defeated him earlier in the season.
“He’s hitting his stride at just the right time,” said Coach Zuback. “Antonio has his sights firmly set on gold at this year’s provincial championships."
Other notable performances included Carter Zuback, who claimed silver in the senior boys’ 66kg division, and Tyler Belanger, who also secured a second-place finish.
Elyssa Olson and Lyla Boyland earned bronze medals, while Jordanna Crawford placed eighth. Forrest Boyland and Lennox Boyland delivered dominant performances in the elementary division, finishing first in their respective weight classes.
