Ashley Osachuck capped off a great wrestling season by winning a bronze medal at the provincials.
The Timberline Secondary student captured gold and silver medals all season long at Island wrestling meets. At the B.C.’s in Abbotsford, she led all Campbell River wrestlers, finishing third in the 60 kilogram (kg) division.
And it was good day all-around for local wrestlers from the middle schools and high schools as eight of the 13 competitors finished in the top six of their weight divisions.
“We had the best result in years, and feel that many of our athletes turned a corner,” said coach Jason Kerluck. “We are very excited for Nationals in April and for next season.”
Carihi’s Olivia Carter (57 kg) finished the first day of competition in the running for back-side semis which she won on Saturday morning and went on to wrestle her way to a third place finish.
Podium finishes, complete with medals, were also awarded to teammates Emily McIsaac (51 kg) who placed 6th and Justice Janveaux (43 kg) who finished fourth.
Just missing the podium was was Jose Figueroa (84 kg) who had two wins and two losses.
Timberline’s Justin Allard (78 kg) also earned a trip to the podium with a very respectable fifth place finish.
Hunter McKay, who was injured last year, wrestled very well in the competitive 70 kg category. He just missed a podium finish by a single win with a three wins and two losses.
Brett Nelson (51 kg) was the sole Southgate wrestler to make the finals. The Grade 9 student had his best tournament of the season and finished third. Teammates Brooke Guindon (54 kg) and Chris Klatt (48 kg) attended the tournament and wrestled well, but failed to advance through Friday’s preliminary rounds.
Medals were awarded to Phoenix’s Keigan Smith (51 kg) who finished fourth and Hailey Dean (43 kg) who finished fifth. Teammates Mike Herman (48 kg) failed to advance to finals on Saturday, but was only one match short of placing top six with his two wins and two losses.
Other local coaches attending included Paul and Angel Murphy, Matt Sparling, Alison Young, Pat Baerovets, Derek Berg and Scott McKenzie.