Alberni District Secondary School had a strong showing at the Abby Invitational in Abbotsford.
Eight ADSS wrestlers proved were part of an Elite Island Team that dominated the tournament competition, which featured high caliber competition from the Lower Mainland and throughout B.C.
The Island Team overpowered many of the mainland teams, and claimed first place in all but one category. The Island took team titles in Cadet Girls (Grade 9-10), Juvenile Women (Grade 11-12) and Juvenile Men (Grade 11-12). Cadet Boys (Grade 9-10) had a strong showing, finishing second behind the local Abbotsford club.
“We knew we were bringing over a strong team, but did not expect to win three out of four divisions at such an elite tournament,” said coach Chris Bodnar. “I am extremely proud of the physical and mental toughness our athletes showed.”
Alberni Valley women led the way for the Island squad with gold medals by Remi Wells (60kg CG) and Michaela Dick (64kg CG) added to Island gold from Hannah Lauridson (64 kg JW) and Marlowe Matheson (54 kg CG).
A strong performance by Emma Irwin of Ucluelet (bronze 54kg JW) added valuable team points.
ADSS Grade 10 Nolan Badovinac (78kg) wrestled up in the Juvenile Men’s Division and captured gold with a dominant performance.
Jesse Wagner fought a tough battle in the finals of 54kg men and finished with a silver medal.
Strong performances by Eryk Cardinal (66kg CB) and Christian Anderson (90kg JM) added bronze medals to the medal count. Grade 12’s Jonathan Spencer (fourth at 74 kg JM) and Sheldon Haddad (fifth at 60kg JM) added team points.
The next action for ADSS wrestlers is the War on the Floor, which is being held in Langley, Dec. 20-21.
