Cowichan Valley wrestlers travelled to Port Alberni from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 to compete in the 40th annual Alberni Wrestling Invitational, the largest high school wrestling tournament in British Columbia outside of the Provincial Championships. The event brought together 450 wrestlers from 50 high schools across the province.
Queen Margaret's School's junior boys team delivered an outstanding performance, finishing second overall, just one point shy of the top spot. Quamichan also had an impressive showing in placing fourth overall, just four points behind.
In the junior girl's category, Quamichan earned the third-place plaque in another fiercely competitive team race.
For Queen Margaret's School, gold medal wrestlers were Brayden Zuback, Calvin Steeves, and Kalem Thomas. Zachary Staicesku and Carter Zuback both placed second in their divisions while Sadie Richer was fourth in hers. Placing fifth were Amellia Korchinski and Cole Morrison while Tate Marston was sixth.
First place finishers for Quamichan School were Rheo Loiselle and James Elliott, while Tyler Belanger, Aiofe Mann, and Lidia Martinez were all second. Cohen Allen and Morgan Elliot were fourth and fifth respectively.
Wrestling for Frances Kelsey, both Cassidy Pace and Kienna Mckenzie placed second in their weight classes while Antonio Iannidinardo came third in his.
Ross Meiner of Cowichan Secondary School placed third in his group while Elyssa Olson of Duncan Christian School was fifth.
"Congratulations to all the wrestlers who competed and placed at this prestigious event," said head coach Nick Zuback.
