VSS Panther sophomore wrestler Jordan Sheppard shocked the crowd as he powered half and pinned each of his opponents to claim the 84-kilogram division at a high school tournament Saturday at NorKam Secondary.
It was the season opener for the Panthers, who are coached by Brad Wyse and Rob Eggert. VSS placed third in a field of 10 teams for Grades 7-10.
“This is our third official season of wrestling here in Vernon and some of the boys showed just how far they’ve come in their skills this weekend,” said Wyse.
Added Eggert: “Jordan’s journey to gold was remarkable given the fact he just picked up the sport last season. He is such a quick learner with a positive attitude. We were so proud of his success today.”
Lightweight Joe Eggert picked up where he left off last season to earn Vernon a second gold in the 38-kilogram category, while his older brother Sam pinned both his Salmon Arm and Pentiction opponents before bowing to a NorKam rival and taking silver in the 45-kilogram class.
Valen Wyse entertained the crowd with consecutive tosses in his final match to clean up the 51-kilogram division.
Newbie Grade 8 Alex Cooke and Grade 12 Eric Doering pocketed silvers in their respective 100- and 90-kilogram classes. Austen Shaver, with his mixed martial arts background, earned fourth in the 70-kg.
