Nine Alberni wrestlers travelled to Abbotsford to compete at the 12th annual Miri Piri Club Championships this past weekend. All nine athletes finished top three in their respective weight classes.

The team was led by defending provincial champion, grade 12 Aaron Badovinac (74 kg). Aaron steam-rolled his competition on his way to a gold medal performance. Badovinac won all of his matches by fall and did not relinquish a point the entire tournament.

The ADSS squad also had strong silver medal performances from Anna Frost (54 kg), Paige Maher (76 kg), Jayce Clayton (90 kg) and William Merry (HWT). Bronze medals were won by Ravi Manhas (48 kg), Seth Price (57 kg), Owen Spencer (63 kg), and Mackenzie Boudreau (70 kg).

“I was very pleased with the success of our athletes this weekend,” said head coach John McDonald. “I was particularly impressed with the performances of Anna Frost and Owen Spencer. Both of these wrestlers have elevated their compete level, proving they are top contenders in their individual weight classes provincially.”

The Miri Piri tournament is the start of a very busy month for the ADSS team. The group will train in preparation for the prestigious Age Class tournament at the University of Fraser Valley January 26-27, the Alberni duals held at ADSS February 2, the Campbell River Invite February 3, followed by the Island Championships in Chemainus February 17th. The highlight of the season will be the BC Highschool Provincial Championships, hosted in hometown Port Alberni, March 1-3.

If you would like more information about the Alberni Duals or the Provincial Championships, please visit www.alberniwrestling.com. If you would like to provide sponsorship or can volunteer at the Provincial Championships, please contact James Messenger at jmessenger@sd70.bc.ca or Tom McEvay at tmcevay@shaw.ca .

“To have every one of our kids come home with a medal shows we are where we need to be in preparation for the provincial championships.”

For a full story and photos, see our website at www.albernivalleynews.com.