Port Alberni sent 22 athletes to the prestigious Western Canadian Age Class tournament in Abbotsford this past weekend.
Wrestlers from 152 teams in British Columbia and Alberta battled for the right to be titled champion. The Alberni squad finished second overall, 153 points behind Vancouver College with 169 points.
Head coach John McDonald commented on the team’s performance. “I thought we showed depth in all age groups,” he said. “Many coaches commented on the success of our younger wrestlers. At the top end, our best wrestlers were the best this weekend. We need this to continue through the rest of the season.”
Leading the team was grade 12 Aaron Badovinac (78kg), who extended his unbeaten streak to capture gold. Aaron’s first place finish was replicated by grade 10 Owen Spencer (60kg), and grade 9 Mason Bodnar (90kg).
Finishing second in their respective weight classes were Isaac McDonald (66kg), Jayce Clayton (90kg), William Merry (110+kg), Miranda Barker (75kg cadet), Paige Maher (75kg juvenile), Austin Kasten (63kg) and Malika McDonald(40kg).
Third place finishers were Ravi Manhas (51kg), Seth Price (57kg), Scott Coulthart (90kg), Landyn Clayton (70kg), and Anna Frost (54kg).
In 4th place was Mackenzie Boudreau (60kg) and in 5th place was Austin Caton (60kg), Daniel Spencer (74kg) and Darien Van Ingen (54kg). Rounding out the placings was Duncan McLeod (48kg) in 6th. Jayden Iverson (74kg) was injured early in the tournament and Prateesh Giri (63kg) battled hard but did not place.
“I was extremely happy about how the kids wrestled this weekend,” said ADSS coach Russell Bodnar. “We showed a good level of compete with the kids getting ready for an intense four weeks of wrestling as we head towards the BC championships.”
Next up for the ADSS team is the Armada Duals this Friday, Feb. 2 at Alberni District Secondary School. For more information, please visit www.alberniwrestling.com.