Home mat advantage: Cowichan Valley Wrestling Club pins down strong results at provincials

The Cowichan Valley Wrestling Club played host to the B.C. Wrestling Association Club Championships, March 27 to 29 at Queen Margaret’s School.

The event featured 28 teams from across the province, with elementary, U15, and U17 divisions competing on Day 1, and U19 and Senior Men’s divisions on Day 2.

“With packed stands and an electric atmosphere, athletes battled for provincial titles and team banners, and the hometown Cowichan Valley Wrestling Club (CVWC) delivered a standout performance,” said head coach Nick Zuback. “CVWC’s youth athletes set the tone early, producing an impressive string of podium finishes.”

In the elementary division, Mayson Bilot earned silver in the boys’ 34kg division, and Noah Atchison won bronze in his first major tournament. Cameron Nolan placed third in the boys’ 39kg division, defeating his twin brother, Remington Nolan, by one point. Both competed in an older age group.

Other Day 1 results included silver medals for Finn McMillan (U15 girls’ 58kg), Alyssa Olson (U17 girls’ 80kg), Ben Cote (U17 boys’ 48kg), and Brayden Zuback (U17 boys’ 55kg).

Zuback competed in an older age group on Day 2, winning bronze in the U19 boys’ 55kg division.

“This group is starting to figure it out,” said Coach Zuback. “They’re competing with confidence and learning how to perform in big moments.”

Bronze medals were won by Emily Ingram-Reid (U17 girls’ 80kg), Layla Boylan (U18 girls’ 57kg), James Elliot (U17 boys’ 71kg), Skyler Bilot (U15 boys’ 41kg), and Aiofe Mann (U17 girls’ 69kg). Xochitl Martinez (U15 girls’ 50kg) narrowly missed silver in a tightly contested final match.

“Every athlete stepped onto the mat with confidence and represented the program with pride,” said Junior team Coach Ryan Smith, praising the group’s composure and courage.

Cowichan finished third in the girls’ team standings.

On Day 2, Nolan Mitchell won gold in the senior men’s 80kg division.

“The hometown favourite energized the crowd with a highlight reel five-point throw, showcasing both his experience and dominance,” said Zuback.

Talon Hird earned silver in senior men’s 71kg, stopping just short of the gold due to an injury.

“It was special to see our alumni back on the mat,” said Zuback. “They’ve come through this program, and now they’re leading by example — not just as athletes, but as people.”

In her final tournament before continuing her wrestling career at Lakehead University next season, Emma Greenwood placed third in the women’s 69kg division.

“Our U19 athletes showed real composure,” said Zuback. “Competing up [a weight class] and still finding the podium says a lot about their mindset and work ethic.”

CVWC athletes will next compete at the Canadian National Championships in Grande Prairie, Alberta, from April 24 to 26.

In other wrestling news, CVWC alumnus Carter Zuback was named Lakehead University wrestling’s male rookie of the year.

“He had a great first season as Thunderwolf, although it didn’t end the way he wanted, he learned lots of important lessons,” said Jordan Ferguson, Lakehead University head wrestling coach. “He continues to look to improve at practice and works extremely hard. The future is very bright, and we couldn’t be more excited about his future with the program.”