At less than 45 kilograms (100 pounds), petite grappler Tiana Dykstra doesn’t depend on size to help her dominate on the wrestling mat.
“Her strength is in technique. For her weight, she’s very aggressive,” coach Phil Johnston says, following Dykstra’s win at North Central Zone Tournament high school championships in the 43-kg Female division.
Dykstra represents the 100 Mile Wrestling Club and was the only member to compete at zones.
The competition was held in Prince George on Feb. 16 and included the top high school wrestling talent in the zone.
The tournament included competitors in grades 8-12 and divisions were based on weight, with no regard to age. Dykstra is in Grade 9.
After claiming the gold in her division, she went on to win all three of her exhibition matches in the 46-kg division.
Her stellar performance also earned her the Most Outstanding Female Athlete of the zone award. It’s an honour normally reserved for Grade 12 students, says Johnston.
The victories secured Dykstra a berth at provincial championships in Duncan. Feb. 28 – March 2. Johnston says his prodigy is seeded in the top 2 for the province.
“She’s ready for it. She’s been getting more focused as the year goes by.”
The challenge will be to triumph over the one competitor who beat her last year at provincials, then keep the momentum going at nationals this April in Saskatoon.
Dykstra says she feels good about her results at zones, but adds she’s grown considerably taller during the past year and the focus of her training has had to shift to emphasize defence.
“Now, I’m usually taller than my opponents, and when you’re tall, they shoot for your legs.”
She’s eagerly anticipating the upcoming nationals where her sister, Marina Dykstra, saw good results in previous years.
“Nationals are a big step for me. My sister was such a good wrestler and I wish she could be there for my first nationals, but she’s in university now and she can’t.”
