More than 30 Cowichan wrestlers travelled to Campbell River on Jan. 18 to compete in the Campbell River Wrestling Invitational, a meet that featured 146 competitors from 22 schools.
“It was exciting to see all of the Cowichan wrestlers competing and achieving such great results,” said Cowichan coach Nick Zuback.
In the highly competitive tournament, Queen Margaret's School placed first overall as a team.
QMS wrestlers dotted the podium with Carter Zuback, Grant Parmar, Rose Wu, and Wish Keirstead all placing first; Amellia Korchinski, Rui Wang, Noah Helmkay, and Billy Miao all placing second; and Victoria Sam, Nina Steeves, Claire Boulding, and Zachary Staicesku all placing third.
"Carter led the team with a standout performance, winning gold in one of the tournament’s toughest weight classes," said Coach Zuback. "He further impressed by claiming victory in his challenge match against the first-place winner from the weight class above. Wish and Rose dominated their respective weight classes on the girls' side, earning gold medals with commanding performances."
QMS wrestlers Tate Marston, Valentina Millan, and Bradley Ludvigson all finished just off the podium in fourth place while Cole Morrison, Jordanna Crawford-Starter, and Sophia Yoon all came in fifth overall in their weight classes.
Quamichan school placed ninth as a team with Emma Vlachou leading the way with first-place and a third-place results. Cohen Allen and Rheo Loiselle also earned gold medals.
"Rheo showcased strength and determination in his division," Zuback noted.
Placing second were Quamichan wrestlers Lidia Martinez, Emily Ingram-Reid, Morgan Elliott, James Elliott, and Aiofe Mann.
Tyler Belanger earned a bronze medal.
Wrestling for Brentwood, Johnanthan Grobbelaar and Anthony Grobbelaar placed first in their classes, while Andrew Grobbelaar, a junior, placed second in a senior weight class. Brentwood placed 13th overall as a team.
The only wrestlers from their schools, Duncan Christian School's Elyssa Olson placed second and Hayden Isaac, of Frances Kelsey, placed fourth.
