Alyssa Kroeker has accomplished one of her dreams on the wrestling mat.
The Penticton Secondary School grad will continue her wrestling career with the Simon Fraser University Clan.
“I still can’t really believe that I actually made it to university for wrestling,” she said. “My dreams down the road are to wrestle at worlds and Pan Am and the Olympics.”
Kroeker’s father Rob, who trained her, said the start will be key in how she does.
“The first three months most kids don’t survive. They are done after the first semester,” he said. “Alyssa is head strong. When you tell her she can’t do something, she wants to show you that she can. She gets mad and kicks it up a notch.”
Rob added that Clan coach Mike Jones and the rest of his staff will know what to say to push her.
“It will be a bit of a wake up call for her. Once she gets through that first year it will be a bit easier,” he said.
Kroeker finished her season in Las Vegas May 5-8 at the U.S. Northwest Junior Regionals, where she earned a bronze medal. In four matches, she won twice. Rob said the field was “top-notch” as one of her opponents was a U.S. national team member.
“It was quite overwhelming actually,” said Kroeker. “Names are on a screen. Tournaments are usually two days, in this it was done in two hours.”
Kroeker found the wrestlers intimidating as she faced new competition. Having never competed in the U.S. before, Kroeker made new friends she will stay in touch with.
“I kind of feel I’ve opened up my wrestling experience, more than just B.C. and Canada,” said Kroeker, who thanked everyone who has supported her over the years.
