Port Alberni wrestlers recently battled it out at the Vancouver Island Wrestling Championships.
The championships were held over the weekend of Feb. 8-9 in Cowichan, hosted by Queen Margaret's School. The Alberni District Secondary School boys surrendered their long-held team title to Timberline Secondary School, coming in fourth overall, while the ADSS girls came in third.
“It was great to see so many wrestlers compete in some of their personal best matches and develop and progress so much this season," said coach Maureen Miller. "We brought 21 wrestlers to the Island championships, and half of them are in their first full year of wrestling. They have come a long way this season.”
Grade 11 wrestlers Andrei Makofka and Janna Hiltz led the team with decisive victories in the 78- and 57-kilogram weight classes, respectively. Grade 9 wrestler Evan Jimenez pinned his opponent in his final match on his way to becoming an Island champion. Alex Bielert also secured a title in the 110-130 kilogram division.
Silver medallists at the championships were Kamryn Mallon, Mohammad Abed and Kane Olsen. Danika Currie battled to a bronze medal finish in the 54-kg weight class, alongside Nolan Cross.
Rounding out the placings were fourth place finisher Reese Gatenby in a deep 54-kg weight class and Seth Romeril, Abigail Silvester and Dayson Larson with fifth place finishes.
Falling just shy of the qualifying berths to the provincial championships with sixth place finishes were Jaxxon Gallic, Gavin Fong and Trenton Makofka.
“One of the things that we have been working hard to build with this team is positive culture and camaraderie and our success with that this weekend was evident," said coach Travis Cross.
Port Alberni wrestlers are back on the mats this week, preparing for the provincial championships which take place in Vancouver on Feb. 20-22.
