Olympic omission a shock
The valley is a strong wrestling community so it seems inconceivable the sport will be eliminated from the Olympics after 2020.
“I was in shock when I heard about it,’’ said Cowichan Valley Wrestling Club and Queen of Angels School coach Nick Zuback.
“Getting all the different messages from everybody, it’s really caused an uproar in the wrestling community.
“It’s a definite ripple-effect. We’ll see. For wrestling, the Olympics is the highest level you can make.’’
The valley has some prominent wrestlers who certainly would be capable of making the Olympics one day, with Maegan Kuruvita at the top of the list.
“2020 would be a very good possibility for her to make the Canadian team and go to the Olympics,’’ said Zuback.
Valley wrestlers represented their respective schools in the 30th Alberni wrestling invitational and attained some exceptional results.
Kuruvita of Cowichan Secondary won her class easily, even though she was moved up with the 69-kilogram juvenile women.
“I think everyone was too afraid to wrestle her,’’ said Zuback of her promotion.
Andrea Morris of Queen of Angels lost her first match of the season but still managed to finish first in the 41 to 44 school girls’ event.
Molly O’Donnell of Queen of Angels was second in cadet girls’ 54-kilogram.
Randi Thomas of Cowichan beat out Kelsey rival Olive Kuruiro for first in 90-kilogram cadet girls.
“It’s hard to coach, they’re both your wrestlers,’’ chuckled Zuback.
Karol Esquivel won the 53 to 56 kg while Kayden Dorma of Kelsey came second in cadet boys’ 48 kg and Owen Pite grabbed third for juvenile men in 60 kg.
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