The Elphi wrestling team has just completed its most successful season in school history.
Six wrestlers picked up medals at the AA provincial championships in Kamloops recently, bringing an end to a season for the ages.
Ty Dempster, Stuart Richey and Telicia Hlatkey all finished first in their weight classes. Breanna Kittson and Connor Richey were second, and Rob Van Norman was third.
In all, Elphi wrestlers practised a combined 387 times, fought 241 matches and finished with an overall record of 123-118.
"To see everyone medal at the provincials finishes off the year in a huge way," said coach Clint Fox. "We had five kids qualify for the AAA provincials in Prince George, but as a team, we decided to go to the AA provincials.
"The AAA is an open championship with wrestlers in grades 8 to 12 all competing together. We felt as a team it would benefit us more to compete at the AA against schools that are the same size as ours and wrestlers who were the same calibre."
Fox said it is a credit to the five wrestlers who could have competed at the AAA level to make such a sacrifice for the team.
"I think that's why we've been so successful this year. This is a great groups of kids who really came together and worked hard as a team," he said. "I was just so impressed with the five wrestlers who chose the team over themselves. It says so much about their character."
Elphi's success during the year translated into several top finishes.
At the Western Canadian age class championships, Breanna was third, Stuart was fourth, Connor was fifth and Mike Rines was sixth.
Mike finished first and was named the outstanding wrestler at the North Shore championships. Breanna was first, Kristy Merrick was second, Telicia was second, Stuart was third, Ty was third, and Connor and Rob each had fifth place showings.
At the zone finals in preparation for the provincials, Telicia, Rob and KP finished second, Shaun Stephens-Whale was third, Breanna was fifth and Andrew Rob, Stuart and Connor all finished sixth.
"I'd be remiss not to also thank my other coach George Richey," said Fox. "His experience as a high level athlete makes such a difference. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the sport have been huge. He's a big part of the team's success this year."
