Cowichan wrestles to success at fourth annual QMS Christmas Classic

The 2025 Christmas Classic Wrestling Invitational drew hundreds of athletes from across Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and B.C. to Queen Margaret’s School on Dec. 6, making it one of the region’s most competitive early-season tournaments.

Wrestlers from the Cowichan Valley — including Queen Margaret’s School (QMS), Duncan Christian School (DCS), Quamichan Secondary and Chemainus — earned multiple podium finishes across both the junior and senior divisions.

“The Christmas Classic Invitational showcased the depth and development of wrestling programs across the Cowichan Valley, with athletes producing strong results early in the season,” said QMS/Cowichan Valley Wrestling Club coach Nick Zuback.

Cowichan Valley junior wrestlers opened the event with several strong results.

Daniela Agular of QMS placed fourth in the 49-kilogram division, while teammate Mikala Ellison earned bronze at 60 kg. Brothers James Harvey and Xander Harvey medalled at 38 kg, winning gold and bronze, respectively. Stefan Craib finished third at 41 kg, Tristan Wynn Smith placed fifth in a deep 60 kg field, and Mateo Garcia and Joe Wood finished fourth and fifth at 67 kg. Kalem Thomas recorded one of the division’s top performances, winning gold at 73 kg.

Quamichan Secondary’s junior boys placed fourth overall among 19 teams.

Logan Marien and Ronin Frehlick each earned bronze with 2-2 records, while Eli Atchison collected two wins in his division. Samuel Crowston posted a 4-0 record to take gold. Quamichan teammates Jason Peters, Krystal Henry and Kassie Scrudder also competed.

Senior female athletes from the Valley continued the strong showing.

QMS wrestlers earned multiple podium finishes, including bronze for Amellia Korchinski at 55 kg and silver for Emma Greenwoods at 69 kg. Teammate Anneke Rigg-Denoojj placed fifth in the same division. Nina Steeve earned silver at 46 kg, and Ella Smith placed third at 90 kg while competing in a higher weight class.

Quw’utsun Secondary athletes also reached the podium, with Emily Ingram-Reid finishing fourth, and Zoey Brandsma and Lidia Martinez each earning bronze. Aoife Mann secured silver at 64 kg.

DCS competitors added to the medal count, with Lyla Boylan winning gold at 56 kg and Elyssa Olsen earning silver at 72 kg.

Senior male wrestlers competed in some of the tournament’s largest brackets.

QMS athletes recorded several top-five finishes, including silver for Brayden Zuback at 53 kg. Jason Miao placed fourth at 51 kg, Julian Lapointe finished fourth at 78 kg, and Emiliano Hank and Logan King placed fifth in their respective divisions. Matthew Gowing, Shanoah Pintus and Tate Marston all competed in the highly contested 74 kg category.

Quw’utsun Secondary’s James Elliot finished with a 2-2 record before withdrawing due to injury, while Elijah Ludlow earned silver at 74 kg following a semi-final comeback pin. Chemainus wrestler Ben Cote returned to competition after an 18-month absence due to injury and he finished with a silver medal.

“With strong showings from junior and senior athletes alike, coaches expressed pride in their wrestlers’ determination and continued development,” Zuback said. “As the season unfolds, the Cowichan Valley wrestling community appears poised for further growth and success, building on the outstanding efforts displayed at this year’s event.”