The numbers don’t suggest it, but the Burnaby Central Wildcats’ wrestling team is ready for action.
As hosts to this weekend’s War on the Floor meet, Burnaby Central will use the opportunity to add another level of experience before the second league meet in the new year.
While the team is down to 18 members, half the size of its halcyon days less than a decade ago, the Wildcats still have medals on their minds.
“We’re hoping to step it up (at this meet),” remarked Burnaby Central coach Gianni Buono. “The season’s only a month old, but we’re working hard and we’re seeing some results.”
Last year, it was the Wildcats girls team that made the biggest ripple en route to the provincials, finishing fourth overall. That was greatly enhanced by Sarah Brinkac’s gold medal performance, and with Brinkac now at Simon Fraser University, there’s a void and an opportunity for someone else to set the tone.
Buono said two members of the squad are showing skills that could put them on the podium in the near future.
Grade 12 wrestler Sylvia Ly, in the 54-kilogram division, and Grade 11 Sanna Ehayana, in 51kg, are the real deal. Ly is looking to improve on last year’s provincial bronze medal.
On the boys’ side, Dylan Duggan, a Grade 11 who grapples in the 51kg division, has the potential to make a run.
“I think all three could medal (at the provincials) – they have that potential,” said Buono. “We have a couple of others who could be in the mix, too. It all depends upon the next few months.”
The War on the Floor brings together high schoolers from Grades 8 to 12 in a sanctioned event for the two-day meet, starting today (Friday).
For Buono, it’s a great opportunity for the wrestlers to measure their efforts in preparation for the new year.
“There are things to work on, and I always want our wrestlers working hard, no matter what.”
