A strong assembly of 34 wrestlers from the Cowichan Valley Wrestling Club travelled to the Richmond Oval for the Western Canada Age Class tournament this past weekend.
The team members engaged in fierce competition, spanning four distinct age categories: Elementary, U15, U17, and U19.
“The prowess exhibited by the Cowichan Valley wrestlers was nothing short of impressive, with standout performances dotting the team’s achievements,” said head coach Nick Zuback.
Emma Greenwood, a stellar captain from Queen Margaret’s School and representing CVWC, set an “inspiring example” by clinching the gold in the commanding 69kg U17 girls’ weight class, said Zuback.
He commended her “unwavering focus and determination, attributing her success to the evident hard work showcased in every practice session.”
Another gold medal found its way to the CVWC through Finn MacMillan (Ecole Cobble Hill), triumphing in the fiercely contested 45kg elementary girls’ class.
Coach Karen Ward foresaw a promising future for her.
“She’s one to watch in the coming years,” Ward said.
CVWC secured an impressive eighth position out of 46 clubs spanning B.C. and Alberta.
Coach Ryan Yewchin expressed profound satisfaction, highlighting the club’s remarkable sixth place overall in pin falls, a testament to their collective skill and dedication.
The following wrestlers placed in their respective weight categories:
Elementary
First: Finn McMillan (ECH), Ella Smith (QMS); Second: Forest Boylan (ECH); Fourth: Athena Scott (Maple Bay).
U15
First: Grace Meiner (QMS); Second: Brayden Zuback (QMS), Manny Iannidinardo (Frances Kelsey), Lucy Healey (QMS), Ben Cote (Nanaimo), Noelle Klatt (ECH); Third: Rheo Loiselle (Quamichan), Elyssa Olson (Quam); Fourth: Tyler Belanger (Quam), Ella Smith (QMS); Fifth: Joah Green (Kelsey); Sixth: Ella Grandison (QMS).
U17
First: Emma Greenwood (QMS); Second: Antonio Iannidinardo (Kelsey); Third: Jordanna Crawford (QMS), Betrix Klatt (Quam); Fifth: Lyla Boylan (Kelsey), Mason Martin (Quam).
U19
Third: Jack Pye (Royal Bay); Fourth: Savannah Screaton (QMS); Fifth: Loryn Roberts (QMS), Zach Staicesku (QMS).