Adam Prudhomme
Editor
NDSS’ wrestling team had an outstanding day on the mat on Wednesday as they hosted the EOSSAA regional qualifier.
Napanee hosted the event, welcoming high school wrestling teams from across the eastern region to battle for a chance to advance to the provincial finals.
Broken down into weight class, the athletes competed in an elimination style tournament, facing off in a two minute round with a ref awarding points for executing holds, take downs or escapes.
Robyn Moffat of the NDSS Golden Hawks wrestling team goes for a takedown during Wednesday’s EOSSAA tournament, held in Napanee. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
Of the 14 Napanee athletes that competed, nine finished in the top two of their division, advancing them to the provincial championship OFSSAA, March 4-6 in Hamilton.
NDSS’ girls finished first overall with 55 points, marking the second straight year NDSS’ ladies captured the EOSSAA trophy. The boys were second in their division. Combined between the two divisions, the Hawks were second overall at the qualifier.
As would be expected with a strong overall finish, the Hawks had plenty of impressive individual performances.
In the girls division, NDSS medal winners were Mia Hollywood Mack (gold 51kg) Anna Van Hoek (gold 64kg), Robyn Moffat (silver 61 kg), Parker Fawcett (gold 72kg), Maddy Lee (silver 72kg). Isabelle McGinnis (gold 67.5 kg) and Ava Amodeo (gold 83kg).
NDSS’ Marcus Barber (standing) wrestles an opponent during Wednesday’s EOSSAA championship. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
NDSS boys that clinched a medal were Tyler Nibourg (gold 77kg), Ben Taylor (silver 95kg), Marcus Barber (bronze 61kg), Nathan Zwiers (bronze 47.5 kg), Cian Friel (bronze 72kg). Anderson Holmes had a strong showing as well, finishing fourth in the 72 kg class.
As a team, the NDSS Golden Hawks finished second overall, with the girls repeating as EOSSAA champions. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
For Napanee, which just revived its wrestling program last season after a two decade hiatus, hosting EOSSAA was an opportunity to cement their status as a wrestling school. It was also a chance to perhaps spark interest among other NDSS students who may want to take up the sport next winter.
“I think its a testament that kids who want to learn and about community coaches that want to help,” NDSS coach Jeff Brady said of the success the team has seen in just its second year. “Without Robyn-Michelle Leroux, she’s our teacher coach, there wouldn’t be a program.”
With the qualifier in the books, they’ll now set their sights on finishing the season strong at OFSSAA.
“If any kids make it to the second day, that’s a big deal,” Brady said of the provincials next month. “OFSSAA is 10 mats, 800 kids and full brackets, so it’s a lot.”