The Cowichan Valley Wrestling Club sent a contingent of athletes to the annual Campbell River Invitational tournament at Timberline Secondary School this past weekend.
“This event brought together over 150 wrestlers from various schools across Vancouver Island, totalling 28 schools in representation,” said CVWC coach Nick Zuback.
Zuback, whose team included athletes from no fewer than eight different schools, was pleased with his team’s efforts.
“Our Cowichan Valley wrestlers showcased remarkable grit and determination throughout all their matches,” he said.
Notably, Jack Pye led the team and earned the prestigious Campbell River Championship Belt for his outstanding performance in a challenging match against a formidable opponent from Timberline. Pye recently won gold at the Dinos Cup in Calgary as well.
The westlers competed as part of the CVWC but represented their schools.
“QMS secured the highest position, claiming the second spot overall. Quamichan secured the seventh position, Cowichan placed 11th, Frances Kelsey 15th, and Ladysmith Secondary finished 17th out of 28 schools,” Zuback said with pride.
The next challenge for CVWC wrestlers is the Western Canada Age Class, scheduled for this coming weekend, Jan. 19-21 at the Richmond Oval.
The following wrestlers placed in their individual categories:
CVWC wrestlers placing first in their individual categories were: Brayden Zuback, Rui Wang of QMS, Lyla Boylan of Frances Kelsey Secondary School, Josh Williams and Manny Iannidinardo of Quamichan, Ross Meiner of Cowichan Secondary, and Jack Pye of Royal Bay Secondary.
Junior Beatrix Klatt (Quamichan) also placed first, despite competing in the senior category.
Second place CVWC finishers included from Quamichan: Aoife Mann, Mason Martin, Tyler Belanger, Rheo Loiselle; from QMS: Lucy Healey, Rose Wu and Savanna Screaton; from Ladysmith Secondary: Elijah Cote; and from Kelsey: Gabriel Carreiro.
Representing QMS, wrestlers Hikaru Hanaoka, Noah Helmkay and Zach Staicesky all placed third, as did Mirai Suzuki of FKSS and Grant Coulthart of Alberni District Secondary and Ben Cote of Nanaimo Secondary.
QMS wrestlers placing fourth included Ella Grandison, Loryn Roberts, and Bradley Ludvigson, as well as Junior Manny Iannidinardo (Quamichan) who was competing in the senior grouping.
Cowichan’s Ruby Degraaf placed fifth.