The Alberni District Secondary School boys' wrestling team took first place in a combined junior and senior boys division at the Campbell River Invitational, while the girls' team secured a third place finish.
The event took place at Timberline Secondary School on Saturday, Jan. 18. Individually, gold medals went to Holly Coatta, Kamryn Mallon, Kane Olsen, Trenton Makofka, Janna Hiltz and Andrei Makofka, while silver medals went to Rhea Brown, Eli Bayley, Danika Currie, Marcus Newton, Reese Gatenby and Alex Bielert.
Bronze medal went to Grade 8 wrestler Alex Edgar earned a bronze medal, while Gavin Fong and Ashton Pavan (fourth place), Rain Olsen (fifth place) and Dayson Larson (sixth place) rounded out the standings.
Grade 11 wrestler Andrei Makofka was invited to compete by tournament organizers in a champion’s challenge match against Vanier’s Jacob Price for a special outstanding wrestler showdown to win the outstanding wrestler belt voted on by coaches, Campbell River wrestling club alumni and officials. Ultimately, the belt went to Courtenay’s Jolina Healey in an impressive finish against hometown favourite Fayth Pontius.
“It was great to see so many of our wrestlers beginning to put together some of the things that we have been working on this season," said ADSS coach Maureen Miller. "This is the point in the season that you look to fine tune technique and continue to build their stamina." noted ADSS coach Maureen Miller.
Port Alberni wrestlers are looking forward to competing at the Seaforth Cup and are continuing preparations for the Alberni Wrestling Invitational. The invitational will be held on Friday, Jan. 31and Saturday, Feb. 1st at ADSS.
"We are looking forward to competing at home against some Lower Mainland teams for the McEvay Post on Friday morning," said ADSS coach Travis Cross. "This is a highlight for many of our wrestlers."
The McEvay Post begins at 8:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies for the tournament start at 1:30 p.m. on Friday and wrestling runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free to the public.
