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M.L. wrestling club fares well at nationals

Apr 17, 2018 | 2:00 PM

Meadow Lake’s Northern Pikes wrestling squad took to the mats this weekend in Edmonton at the National Wrestling Championships.

A total of seven athletes, six males and one female competed in both freestyle and Greco-style events at the three-day event from April 13 to 15.  

Jacob Ambroziak, who was in the U19 category, came fourth overall in his 125 kg weight class in freestyle, while Skylar Barden took a bronze medal in 56 kg Greco.

“It was definitely a new age group,” Ambroziak said. “I just wrestled to the best of my ability. It was definitely a lot harder, but it was a good experience.”

Barden said she was nervous heading into the competition, but happy for how her first attempt at Greco-style went. This particular type of wrestling is mostly throwing style, where the athlete cannot use the lower body.

“I had never done that before, not even in practices,” Barden said.

A few other teammates said the entire tournament was a positive lesson in competition and style.

Brenton Cataract, who was in the 92 kg weight class, said he learned a great deal.

“This was my first year at nationals, and it was an eye-opener for me,” Cataract said. “The competition is out there unbelievable. Now I know next year what to expect.”

Logan Boser said it was different than what he expected, but also very exciting. He wrestled in the 80 kg class, which was a bit higher than his normal 73 kg category. He had been hurt recently so worked hard to be able to compete.

“It was experience I never would have got from any other tournament,” Boser said. “It was fun going against some big boys. I was going there for experience and came back with lots.”

Coach Chris Brownrigg said the entire club performed well and he is proud of everyone.

“We’ve come so far in three years,” Brownrigg said. “These kids have worked so hard. They all wrestled the best of the year, they had to because it’s tough competition there. We’ll be back again next year.”

 

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @ReporterKath