Once again Campbell River wrestlers had heads turning at the BC High School Championships in Salmon Arm last weekend.
Ten wrestlers from four different schools attended this tournament as part of a Campbell River team, all qualifying for the event two weeks prior at the Vancouver Island Championships. The wrestlers included: Corinne Holmes (Carihi), Kaitlyn Jinda (Carihi), Holten Ewing (Carihi), Joel House (Timberline), Tess Bodenham (Timberline) and Kyle McDonald (Timberline), Hailey Ricard (Phoenix), Alex Anderson (Phoenix), Scotty Assu (Phoenix), and Keegan Milliken (Campbell River Christian).
This group of athletes are in the developing stages of the sport with only one wrestler in Grade 11, and the rest are between Grades 8 and 10.
“The results were impressive for each wrestler in terms of their age and ability at such a high level tournament,” said coach Matt Sparling. “We were definitely impressed by our young Grade 8 athletes, who all won two matches each. This isn’t always expected at that age while competing at their first BC Championships.”
All three Timberline athletes also finished with a 2-2 record, only one win away from earning a top-six finish.
The outstanding performances of the weekend went to Kaitlyn Jinda and Scotty Assu. Jinda, in Grade 9 and in her second provincial appearance, earned herself another podium spot by placing fourth place this year. She is already considered a top athlete in the sport of wrestling with a bright future in her sight.
In his first provincial attndance and our youngest wrestler, Scott Assu, Grade 8, had the best result with a silver medal in the 41 kgs boys category. This is a well deserved result for such a hard working and dedicated young athlete.
This tournament has only one age group, Grade 8 to 12, who all compete against each other classed by weight and gender. Campbell River coaches feel this young team has potential in the future to bring home more high level results.
Two Campbell River wrestlers, Joel House and Kaitlyn Jinda will be attending Nationals in Windsor, Ontario on April 7-9-, representing Campbell River, and B.C.