SASKATOON — It was an exciting opportunity for wrestlers from McLurg High School of Wilkie to be able to compete on the mats again, joined by new Unity Composite High School wrestlers. It had been, like other sports, two years since competition was allowed due to the ongoing pandemic.
The motto presented to the athletes before competition was to “Trust the work you put in.”
After succeeding in regional competition March 11-12, 11 athletes under the direction of coach Chris Kent, advanced to Saskatchewan High School Athletics Association provincial wrestling championships held at Evan Hardy Collegiate in Saskatoon March 18-19.
McLurg wrestlers were sent off with the school decked out in action photos and player success stories from their wrestling experiences, while UCHS signed a banner and had their two students march the halls as their celebratory send-off.
Two wrestlers who just came into the sport in 2022 from UCHS and earned their way to provincials, Steyn Hoogstad and Shawn Dyck, had a strong showing for their first provincials.
Coach Kent says, “I expect huge things in Unity and just need to get a few more Warriors out and we will be battling for gold with them next time.”
McLurg wrestlers who advanced to provincials included Zara Meier, Cody Bleier, Andy Gallerneault, Kierra Babchuk, Piper Kent, Arhya Thomas, Scott Huber, Darren Toothill and Kadin McGinnis.
A combination of commitment, experience and determination resulted in medals won for the McLurg Broncs team.
Darren Toothill captured gold. Silver medals were won by Piper Kent and Andy Gallernault. Three bronze medals were awarded to McLurg athletes with Cody Bleier, Zara Meier and Scott Huber taking home the hardware.
McLurg also captured the 3A boys' team provincial champions while the girls captured the 3A girls' team provincial champs.
McLurg Broncs wrestling has had numerous success stories over the years they have been competing in the sport, and the recent provincial multi-medal wins add another chapter to their success story.
Another of the Broncs success stories includes 2020 McLurg graduate, and former wrestler with the school, Kabri Sittler, who was signed by the University of Saskatchewan Huskies wrestling program and recently captured a silver medal at a Can-West championship.
