One of B.C.’s hottest young wrestling prospects proved his worth at the Golden Bear Invitational meet in Edmonton last weekend.
St. Thomas More high school senior Darthe Capellan competed in two separate weight classes in the one-day event, winning the 54-kilogram division, while placing fifth in the heavier 57kg group.
“He’s a hot prospect in our program,” said provincial high performance coach Dave McKay.
Competing in the lightest weight class against mostly university wrestlers at the Golden Bear, Capellan defeated fellow Burnaby athlete and former national cadet champion Melvin Arciaga by technical superiority 13-0 in the 54kg final.
It was also Capellan’s first win over the Arciaga, who now trains with the University of Alberta varsity team after a successful high school career at Burnaby South.
“Getting that win against Arciaga, it made me really happy,” said Capellan, who won the Canadian juvenile title at 50kg at the nationals last year.
Capellan also finished ahead of another defending national champion and Burnaby Mountain clubmate Oscar Bulaqui en route to the win at 54kg.
Wrestling Capellan in dual weight classes was a conscious decision by the B.C. coaching staff.
“He’s exceptional,” said B.C. junior development coach John Pineda. “When I saw him two years ago, I knew he was special. He shows it time and time again. … We see something special in this kid. He knows how to win.”
The STM student wrestled 10 matches in all, grappling at the lighter weight in the morning session, before taking on the heavier wrestlers later in the day.
“It’s definitely a step up,” said Pineda. “A high school student beating universtiy wrestlers – he’s learning. He’s making the corrections. You’ve got to have it all.”
Last year, Capellan won a silver medal at the Canada Games, losing a tight 3-1 championship match to Philip Le of Ontario in a bout he appeared to dominate.
“He’s just fearless. There is no fear in losing. Darthe has something that is exceptional, and it’s his will to win,” Pineda added. “He has the potential to be a future Olympian.”
Capellan says he’s getting used to the step up in competition but admits nerves still come into play before he steps on the mat.
“When I’m wrestling, I’m putting it all on the line – just doing my best,” he said.
Practising hard, not missing practices and trying to get the best out of the training sessions are his keys to success.
“When I come to a tournament, I really want to win,” Capellan added.
He’ll get another chance to show just how much he wants to win, when he will face state high school champions at a meet in Olympia, Washington this weekend.
