The Cowichan Valley contingent delivered exceptional performances, clinching an impressive 10 gold medals, four silver medals, and six bronze medals in the Alberni Valleys Armada Invitational event
Coach Nick Zuback expressed satisfaction at witnessing the wrestlers reaching their peak at such a crucial moment, especially with the Island and provincial championships looming ahead.
Coach Ryan Yewchin commended the outstanding performance of the Quamichan wrestlers, who not only secured the junior girls’ title but also claimed second place in the junior boys’ division. Meanwhile, QMS demonstrated remarkable strength, finishing 3rd overall in the senior girls’ division.
In the combined standings, Kelsey emerged as the top-performing Cowichan Valley school, securing seventh place, closely followed by QMS in eighth and Quamichan in ninth out of 68 schools.
Among the junior girls, first-place finishes in their divisions were achieved by Aoife Mann (Quamichan), Lyla Boylan (Frances Kelsey), Beatrix Klatt (Quam), and Elyssa Olson (Duncan Christian School). Georgia Armstrong (QMS) and Tenley Blacklet (QMS) both secured second place, while Grace Meiner (QMS) claimed fourth.
Among the junior boys, first-place finishes in their divisions were achieved by Ben Cote (Nanaimo Christian), Brayden Zuback (QMS), and Emmanuel Iannidinardo (Kelsey). Rheo Loiselle (Quam) and Mason Martin (Quam) secured second place, with James Elliot (Quam) taking third. Kayden Bilot (Kelsey) placed fourth, and James Charlie-Modeste (Quam) finished sixth.
Rei Nagatomi (Kelsey) emerged as the sole senior girl to secure first place, while Rose Wu (QMS), Rui Wang (QMS), Loryn Roberts (QMS), and Emma Greenwood (QMS) all claimed third place in their respective divisions. Ruby Degraaf (Cowichan Secondary) secured sixth place.
For the senior boys, first-place finishes were achieved by Antonio Iannidinardo (Kelsey) and Jack Pye (Royal Bay), with Grant Coulthart (Alberni District Secondary) taking third. Joshua Du Toit (Carson Graham) placed fourth, and Gabe Carreiro (Kelsey) secured fifth place.