Flying Dust First Nation teens soar in wrestling championships

It was especially exciting since it’s only the Grade 7 student’s first year in the sport.

Noah’s mom Charmaine Mirasty is proud of her son’s achievements.

She said Noah has a really positive attitude whenever he tackles a goal. He also prays, to be spiritually focused.

Charmaine said being involved in wrestling has improved his self-confidence too.

“He’s come a long way,” she said. “He’s an all-around good kid. I told him: You’ll have positive outcomes if you have a positive outlook on life.”

When he isn’t working on his sports, Noah focuses on his academics.

His mom said she is glad to see her son doing well in his classes at school.

“He has really good grades,” she said. “He excels in everything – English, Math.”

Kyler Derocher picked up gold in provincials. (Submitted photo/Northern Pikes Wresting Club)

Youth Kyler Derocher, age 14, Grade 8, won gold in the 106 to 108 kg Bantam boys division in provincials.

His mom Kayla Derocher said she is thrilled to see her son perform so well.

“I’m super proud of him,” she said.

Kayla said he hasn’t been taking wrestling for very long, but “he’s almost a natural at it.”

She is also glad to see he is doing well in his academic studies.

“He’s excelling in school,” Kayla said.

“It’s [taking wrestling] been a good experience for him,” she added. “His behaviour and his attitude changed because of wrestling. He’s doing pretty good. I’m happy for him.”

Northern Pikes Wrestling Club Coach Chris Brownrigg said on his Facebook Page it was a great day at Saskatchewan Wrestling Provincials, hosted by Elrose Wrestling Club.

“[I’m] super proud of the growth of these young athletes. Congratulations to Noah Mirasty and Kyler Derocher for capturing Provincials Championships in their first year,” he said.

In an interview with meadowlakeNOW, Brownrigg said he’s pleased to see Mirasty and Derocher doing so well. Both youth attend Kopahawakenum Elementary School.

“It’s very gratifying,” Brownrigg said. “Both of those athletes are first-year wrestlers. We did a “Learn to Wrestle” after-school program last year to try to build some interest in the community. With the support of Principal Cheryl Derocher, we were able to have a good group of kids come every week from Flying Dust into Meadow Lake to our high-school training facility. They would partake with all the other athletes, so we had enough training partners.”

Beny Lachance, right, won in the top 10 in nationals at the Vancouver competition in March. (Submitted photo/Bill Bain)

The club also saw talented youth Beny Lachance, 15, who attends Grade 9 in Carpenter High School in Meadow Lake, place in the top 10 in nationals, in the Greco-Roman 2023 Canadian Wrestling Championships, held from March 22 to 27 in Vancouver.

His grandmother was thrilled with his success.

“I’m pretty proud of him,” she said.

Brownrigg is also glad to see how well Lachance performed in the competition.

He said Northern Pikes Wrestling Club is trying to grow the program throughout the area to get even more kids involved.

“Though we started in Meadow Lake, we’ve expanded to Flying Dust, Waterhen, and we’re hoping to re-start our program out in Green Lake,” Brownrigg said. “It’s a lot of fun, and it’s great seeing [the kids] have success.”

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @meadowlakenow

by Angela Brown

Flying Dust First Nation teens soar in wrestling championships

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