The 2017/18 wrestling season kicked off last week with the first competition of the season. On Thursday Nov. 23 six members of the Haliburton Highlands Secondary School wrestling team competed at the annual Tom Nigro Wrestling Tournament held at Trenton High School. Over 150 athletes from the COSSA and Kingston Regions attended the event and HHSS wrestlers once again showed that they can wrestle with the best.

Connie Oh and Owen Wootton showed great potential in their first ever tournament experience. Both Connie and Owen wrestled solidly throughout the day. They have established the basics needed for success in the future. Coaches Klose and Fockler look forward to their growth in the future along with the other Grade 9 students who joined the Red Hawks wrestling team this year.

Nic Graham went undefeated in the cadet division at 95 kg. His technique continued to improve throughout the day. He finished the day with a 3-0 record to win the gold medal. Veteran wrestler Aidan Coles returned to the mat in fine form in the 95 kg open (senior) weight class. Aidan lost only one of his four matches to take home the bronze medal.

In the women’s division Grade 12 wrestlers Emily Klose and Noelle Dupret Smith each started their season with impressive performances in the 67.5 kg open class. Emily lost only one match against the eventual champion early in the day but won all other matches to earn the bronze medal. On the other side of the draw Noelle remained undefeated in preliminary rounds to advance to the championship match. She had a good match with several great scrambles but was pinned late in the first round. Noelle finished the day with a silver medal.

Congratulations on a great start for this season. Practices continue as the HHSS wrestling team prepares for the next competition on Dec. 6 in Peterborough.

Submitted by Paul Klose