Expectations for Penticton Secondary School athletes at the 2013 B.C. High School provincial wrestling championship vary depending on who coach Tony Ramsay talks about.
Alyssa Kroeker, Drew Boileau, Aaron Ryan and Nico Carboni earned the right to head to Duncan Feb. 28 to March 2, where the championship is being held.
Kroeker (Grade 10) was the top female in the 47-kilogram division during the Okanagan zone championship in Salmon Arm Feb. 16, while Boileau (Grade 9) was second in the boys’ 63-kg division. Ryan (Grade 11) was first in the 70-kg division and Carboni (Grade 12) topped the 74-kg division.
Ramsay said all four wrestled well, which usually happens within the zone. The challenge is competing with Lower Mainland athletes at provincials. The only person expected to go deep is Kroeker, who trains with the Okanagan Similkameen Wrestling Club at Princess Margaret, as she placed second at the national championship last April.
“She is a strong favourite to place at least in the top six,” said Ramsay. “She should have a good competition.”
Carboni isn’t new to provincials as he competed in it last year and placed 12th when Penticton hosted. After experiencing some nervous jitters then, he hopes it’s not a problem now.
“I know my competition. I can definitely take that into account,” said Carboni. “Hopefully this tournament will be consistent matches and I will wrestle my best.”
Motivation comes from the fact it will be the final time Carboni takes to the mat for Pen High.
“I have nothing to lose so I have to give it my all,” said Carboni.
Ramsay said Carboni is in a difficult weight class so he will face strong competition.
“He will have his hands full,” said Ramsay with a smirk.
The same goes for Ryan, who has wrestled since Grade 9 but was unable to compete in provincial last year due to an injury.
“He’s really keen and looking forward to it,” said Ramsay. “I’m hoping he places in the top 12.”
Entering his first provincial championship, Ryan said he feels nervous.
“As long as I try my best, and go as hard as I can, it will work out to my advantage,” said Ryan, who used wrestling as an avenue to stay out of trouble leaving middle school.
“This kind of sounds weird, but I like the feeling when you get to hurt them and you know they get to hurt you too,” explained Ryan on why he likes the sport. “I like both of the feelings. It’s a give and take battle. You just can’t give up.”
Learning experience is the only thing Ryan is looking to gain.
Boileau is nervous and excited as he intends to have fun against the best. He expects his competitors to be strong and plans to learn from them. Ramsay wants to see him win a match or two.
“It’s fun to wrestle,” said Boileau. “It’s been crazy. The first tournament I went to I lost everything. I thought I was going to quit.”
Changing his mind led to him eventually winning a gold medal and two silvers in later competitions.
“It’s amazing,” he said of the success. “I thought I wasn’t good at all.”