Phoenix school wrestlers dominated over the 160 Island wrestlers that took to the mats Sat., Nov. 26 at Esquimalt High School by winning the Junior Boys and Junior Girls Team categories.
The Novice Tournament provides an opportunity for wrestlers new to the sport to face opponents of similar age, ability and experience.
The success of the local wrestlers is an indication that the sport continues to grow under the tutelage and dedication of several highly qualified coaches.
Phoenix’s Kristine Osachuck (51 kg) topped her weight category; fellow students Larissa Melville (47 kg) and Savannah Pare (64-69 kg) finished second in their weight classes, followed by third place finishes for Aden Lovely (43 kg) and Madison Harper (47 kg). Greta Hamilton (64-69 kg), Anna Pehrsson (47 kg) and Gena Bannerman (54 kg) rounded out the Phoenix results with fourth place.
The Phoenix boys dominated with first place finishes for Tyrone Marting (35 kg), Dawson Jordan (48 kg) and Dace Harle (51 kg). Josh Nelson (54 kg) and Dylan Sparling (63 kg) were second in their weight categories and rounding out the boys results were fourth place Liam Ross (57 kg) and fifth place Callum McCullock (41 kg).
Southgate’s first place finisher in the boys category (54 kg) was Chris Klatt, followed by third place Alex Nguyen (60 kg), and fourth place Mitchell Hall (45 kg) and Thomas Dunn (63 kg).
Southgate’s Mackenzie Paddington (51 kg) and Amanda Anderson (54 kg) finished second, followed by teammates Brandi Hiltz who was fourth (57 kg) and Hanna Nelson (51 kg) in sixth place.
Only three wrestlers from the Senior ranks attended the tournament.
Timberline’s Brandon Brackett (56-61 kg) placed second in his group, and teammate Tyler Cowan (85-89 kg) was fifth.
Carihi’s Dada Seely (69-72 kg) finished fourth.
