Feature events start at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 3 at the Alberni Valley Multiplex

Some of the 600 wrestlers from around British Columbia gathered at the B.C. Secondary Schools Wrestling Championships wait for the opening ceremonies to begin at the AV Multiplex on Friday, March 2, 2018. SUSAN QUINN PHOTO

Nine members of the Alberni District Secondary School Armada wrestling team will compete for gold at the B.C. Secondary Schools Wrestling Championships on Saturday afternoon (March 3) at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.

Seven boys—Bobby McKenzie, Ravi Manhas, Seth Price, Owen Spencer, Isaac MacDonald, Aaron Badovinac and Daniel Spencer—and two girls—Paige Maher and Malika McDonald—will feature in the finals starting at 2 p.m.

“It was a very good day,” said James Messenger, co-chair of the provincial tournament and also a coach for Port Alberni.

“We performed above expectations.”

Wrestling Saturday morning to try and earn spots in the consolation finals will be Anna Frost, MacKenzie Boudreau, Miranda Barker, Jayce Clayton, Scott Coulthart and William Merry. Their matches start at 8:30 a.m.

“They are all guaranteed top six (placings),” Alberni coach Richelle McKenzie said.

Consolation finals for third, fourth, fifth and sixth place will start at approximately 10 a.m.

Doors will open at 1:15 p.m. for the gold medal matches, which will start at 2 p.m. with a parade of athletes featuring elementary school wrestlers as escorts. You can catch the parade live on the Alberni Valley News’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/albernivalleynews.

Admission to the finals is $10 at the door.

editor@albernivalleynews.com