The Alberni District Secondary School (ADSS) wrestling team showcased their talent and determination at the Seaforth Cup, placing third overall in the team category.
The event was held in Vancouver on Jan. 25, and the ADSS team was represented by 14 boys and five girls. The Port Alberni team placed third overall with 92 points, after first place team Maple Ridge (125 points) and second place Vanier (97 points).
Individually, Holly Coatta and Nolan Cross took home the gold, while Evan Jimenez, Kane Olsen, Kamryn Mallon, Trenton Mkofka, Jackson Price, Danika Currie and Janna Hiltz each earned silver. Alex Bielert and Andrei Makofka took home bronze.
Rounding out the standings were Gavin Fong in fourth place, Alex Edgar and Reese Gatenby in fifth place and Chase Klus-Brown in sixth place. Additional ADSS wrestlers who competed were Taj LaBrie, Marcus Newton, Rain Olsen, Seth Romeril and Ashton Pavan.
This competition, coupled with a joint practice session with other teams on the preceding Friday, provided an "excellent" platform for the team to enhance their skills and team-building abilities ahead of the Alberni Invitational and the Island Championships, said coach Maureen Miller. She praised the team's efforts and highlighted the importance of the experience in preparation, handling nerves and responding to challenging matches.
Eight wrestlers stayed on the Lower Mainland to compete on Sunday, Jan. 26 in the Miri Piri Club Championship. Coach Richelle Mackenzie said she was impressed with the athletes' stamina and resilience in competing in back-to-back tournaments.
Jackson Price placed first in the competition, while Nolan Cross took second. Janna Hiltz took fourth, Kamryn Mallon and Alex Edgar were fifth and Danika Currie took sixth place.
Gavin Fong and Holly Coatta (injury default) did not place.
