Salmon Arm Secondary immobilized the competition at the Okanagan Zone Wrestling Championships at NorKam Secondary in Kamloops last weekend.
The SAS wrestling team won both the boys and girls zone titles, earning them a spot at provincials.
Of the 25 wrestlers representing Salmon Arm Secondary, seven finished first, 10 second, four finished third, three in fourth, and one in fifth place.
“The success we have achieved this season is in large part due to the work ethic and dedication of our wrestlers who push themselves to improve their skill and fitness daily,” said Richard Sweet, who co-coaches the team with Ray Munsie.
Earning firsts in their weight categories were: Cole Swetlikoe, Colin Robinson, Hanna Mitchell, Lorissa McMaster, Andrew Loza, Ken Kosowick and Chad Baker.
Placing second were: Micah Gunn, Colton Steiger, Kalina Smith, Drea Prevost, Madison Porteous, Connor Olsen, Krystine Hamre, Jacob Fagrie, Tristan Connor and Connie Bailey.
Thirds went to Shay-Lyn Steiger, Nick Ough, Kellen McEachein-Corely and Adam Fiebelkorn.
Twenty-one members of the team qualified for the provincial championships, which take place in Prince George Feb. 27 to March 8.
“The depth of our team was also shown in our win as one of our stronger girls and one of our stronger boys were sidelined with injuries and were unable to compete at the weekend tournament, which put increased pressure on our wrestlers to place in their matches and score the valuable points required to win a zone championship,” Sweet added.
The team will continue to practice during the next week to prepare for its next test in Prince George.
In other Salmon Arm Secondary successes, the SAS Curling Team and the SAS Downhill Ski Team are heading to provincials.
Another possibility for provincials is the Junior Boys Basketball Team, which hosts the Valleys this weekend at the Jackson campus. The Golds’ first game is at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21.
