With six athletes cracking the top six in their respective classes, it was another strong showing at the provincial championships for the Cowichan Valley Wrestling Club.
Leading the way was Nolan Mitchell of Claremont Secondary, who won his third consecutive provincial championship in the 48kg division with a year of eligibility left.
Not far behind was Andrea Morris, who placed second in the province at 43kg.
"It's a great feat," head coach Nick Zuback said. "She's only in Grade 9. She definitely has a promising future. That's the best finish Q of A has ever had at a provincial championship. I'm looking forward to seeing her at nationals."
Two CVWC wrestlers earned bronze medals: Olive Kiruiro of Frances Kelsey at 90kg+ and Molly O'Donnell of Gulf Islands Secondary at 54kg "She had a great battle," Zuback said of O'Donnell. "For her to get bronze this year was great after finishing sixth last year."
Jimmy Wyld of CVOLC missed third place at 63kg by one point.
"He had a great tournament," Wyld said. "He ended up facing the No.1 seed in his first match. He lost a tough one to put him on the back side of the draw, but he fought all the way to the bronzemedal match."
Rounding out the top-six finishes was Kayden Dorma of Kelsey, who placed fifth in the 48kg division.
Missing out of the top six but still performing well at provincials were Ryan Kuruvita, who went 3-2 and showed that he will be a wrestler to watch in the next couple of years, Hannah Tuplin, who went 1-2 in her first year of competitive wrestling, and Jeevan Sall, who went 2-2. Also representing the club at provincials and gaining valuable experience were Chelsea Warke, Aydan Claus, Daniel Wanner, Max Smith, Quinn Smith and Rayne Hankins.
With all those wrestlers eligible to return next season, it bodes well for the future of the CVWC.
"I'm looking forward to next year when all these wrestlers have another year of experience," Zuback said.
Next up for the club are nationals on April 4-6 in Guelph, Ont. Mitchell, Morris, O'Donnell, Kiruiro, Wyld, Dorma, Kuruvita, Warke, Sall and Claus have all qualified.