Alberni wrestlers shined at the Western Canadian Age Class Tournament in Kamloops.
There were twenty-four Alberni wrestlers that placed and twelve of them medaled at the event, which featured over 800 wrestlers from close to 100 schools from all over Western Canada.
Five Alberni wrestlers went undefeated to claim gold medals in their respective weight classes.
In the Age 12-14 schoolboy division EJ Dunn wrestler Nolan Badovinac went undefeated in the 75 kilogram division.
In the Age 15-16 cadet division ADSS wrestlers Rhea Wing (43 kg), Jesse Wagner (46 kg), and Cole Walton (85 kg) won their respective weight classes with strong performances.
Grade 11 wrestler Cullen Hines went undefeated to claim the 72 kilogram title the juvenile (17 – 18 years old) division.
ADSS head coach John McDonald was pleased with the performance of the team in Kamloops.
“This was a high level tournament and we had some good results,” McDonald said.
Several local wrestlers claimed silver medals at the tourney.
In the schoolboy/schoolgirl division EJ Dunn wrestlers Dean Leyland (60 kg), Emma Vanderlee (66 kg), and Tyler Drew-Adams (85 kg) finished second in their respective weight classes.
In the cadet division Jordan Wagner (50 kg) lost a close final to finish second in his weight class. Grade 12 wrestler Brianne Charles lost a heart breaking final match to her opponent from Smithers to finish with the silver medal in the 65 kilogram juvenile girls division.
Rounding out the medal count in Kamloops were Russell David of Dunn (51kg) and Micaela Dick (54 kg) who claimed bronze medals in their weight classes in the schoolboy/schoolgirl division.
The busy weeks ahead for Alberni wrestlers include tournaments in Abbotsford and Campbell River and then the annual Alberni Invitational tournament at the Multiplex Feb. 3-5.