Twelve wrestlers from the Alberni Valley Wrestling team travelled to Abbotsford last weekend to wrestle as a part of a Vancouver Island team competing in the annual Abbotsford Invitational.
The Island team walked away with the club title in the both the boys and girls divisions. Individually, Alberni had 10 wrestlers place, with eight wrestlers taking home medals.
Jessie Wagner, Remi Wells, Michel Kurucz, Nolan Badovinac and Aaron Badovinac all won their divisions, taking home gold medals. Isaac McDonald and Christian Anderson both captured silver medals, and Lauren Barker took home a bronze medal. Johannes Kulich placed fourth while Jarred Beckett finished fifth.
Coaches Chris Bodnar and John McDonald were very pleased with the team results. Bodnar commented on the need to get competition early in the season.
“This was an elite tournament with many of the best kids in the province competing. A club from Saskatchewan came just because of the quality of wrestling there would be.
“Our top wrestlers need this early in the season to see where the bar is set. Amazingly we stepped up to the plate and performed exceptionally well.’’
Coach McDonald commented on some of Alberni’s individual performances. “For our top kids this was a great opportunity to get some tough matches. Christian Anderson was able to wrestle two tough kids from Saskatchewan.
“Remi Wells, Lauren Barker, Michel Kurucz, Jessie Wagner and Nolan Badovinac all had exceptional tournaments. Our two middle school kids, Aaron Badovinac and Isaac McDonald also showed they are ready for this level of competition.’’
The next wrestling action will see the ADSS team and middle schools in Duncan at the Cougar Invite on Dec. 14. The last week before Christmas break will be the War on the Floor wrestling tournament at Simon Fraser University.