Members of the Cowichan Valley Wrestling Club hit the mats for their first tournament of the season this past weekend when they competed at the Vancouver Island Novice Wrestling Tournament at Nanaimo District Secondary School.
“The team showcased unwavering determination and resilience throughout each match,” said head coach Nick Zuback.
Though attending the meet as a club, the CVWC wrestlers were competing for their schools: Queen Margaret’s School, Frances Kelsey Secondary School, and Quamichan.
Placing first in their weight classes were: Kipling Szasz (QMS), Lyla Boylan (FKSS), Manny Iannidinardo (FKSS) and Grace Meiner (QMS).
Second place wrestlers included: Ella Grandison (QMS), Tenley Blackler (QMS), Hikaru Hanaoeke (QMS), Georgia Armstrong (QMS), Rheo Loiselle of (Quamichan) and Josh Williams (Quamichan).
Third place finishers included: James Elliot (Quamichan), Aoife Mann (Quamichan), Reid Williams (Quamichan), Levi Dayley (FKSS), James Charlie-Modeste (Quamichan) and Mirai Suzuki (FKSS).
Lily Wu (QMS), Cole Morrison (QMS), Tate Marston (QMS), Zhitao Miao (QMS), and Brad Ludvigson (QMS) all wrestled to fourth place finishes, while Zach Staicesky (QMS) placed sixth.
In the overall team results, “QMS achieved an admirable third place with Frances Kelsey securing fourth and Quamichan placing ninth among 25 schools,” Zuback said.
Coach Ryan Yewchin expressed immense pride in the new Quamichan wrestlers, commending their debut performances.
Next up on the CVWC’s wrestling agenda is the QMS Christmas Classic on Dec. 9 at Queen Margaret’s School Sports Hall.
“We are expecting more than 200 wrestlers from across the island and mainland,” Zuback said.
The tournament runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and welcomes spectators.