The Smithers Secondary School Gryphons wrestling team was in Kamloops on January 14 and 15, competing against some of the best wrestlers in the west at the 2011 Western Canada Age Class tournament. Coach Mike Richey said he was pleased with the team’s performance.
“The girls senior team finished second in juvenile womens, which was very good,” he said.
On the way to that win, Hilary Goble took the top spot in the 65 kg class. Lisa Brise finished third in the 60 kg class. The girls were second to the Junior Dinos, a club that pulls the best wrestlers from schools all over Calgary.
In juvenile mens wrestling, Taylor Nelson finished in third in the 69 kg class. In the cadet girls level, Alexis Hassell took third place in the 60 kg class. In the schoolboy division, Colton Gammie took third place in the 42 kg group. In the schoolgirl division, Alex Shell finished second in the 43 kg class, while Aimee Gagnier took third in the 52 kg class.
Richey said the tournament was a great learning experience for the team as they work towards regional and provincial championships.
“We have room for improvement, that’s for sure, but we know what we need to do now,” said Richey.