Burnaby Central’s Sara Brinkac and Ansel Hait are targeting a breakthrough at this weekend’s B.C. High School Wrestling championships in Abbotsford.
The outgoing Grade 11 student has filed last year’s result away, and has spent nearly the past 12 months with an eye on emerging with a medal. Having shifted to 60-kilogram weight division, Brinkac is going to take last year’s disappointment of not placing into something big.
“It’s gone great -- I’m really happy with this season,” she said. “I’ve won almost every tournament I’ve been in. I unfortunately had one slip up in Port Alberni where I got caught (but) I’ve had a really great season and it’s awesome to think, last year I didn’t place at provincials and didn’t have a great tournament… This year I’m winning and going to come in and take it. It’s awesome to think that.”
As noted, it’s not sheer confidence that puts her in the discussion. The Wildcats wrestler has honed her technique, added muscle to her frame and embraced the passion she has for the sport.
“The difference that I’ve seen is that last year the people I was going head-to-head with, I can now pin and (technical) this year,” said Brinkac. “The people that were pinning and teching me this year I’m able to go head-to-head with. I’m on the next level. It’s a great feeling to know when the hard work pays off.”
Hait shares that enthusiasm. A fellow junior at Burnaby Central, Hait is eager to see how the work translates in a new weight class and on the biggest provincial stage.
“It’s a little more intense because there’s a little more muscle in the game, but it’s fun… We’re definitely coming to practices more, working hard to build up,” said Hait, who in his third year grappling has made the transition to the 90kg boys division.
“I definitely needed to work on my standing game for getting some offence. I’ve been trying to improve my offence, build my offence because I’m a very defensive wrestler,” he noted.
Brinkac said transitioning from a different weight class can be tougher than it looks. Eyeing the cadet nationals in April, she has improved while training with Burnaby Central’s Gianni Buono’s Wildcats, as well as Coast Wrestling Club.
Still, the sting of last year’s unfinished business is a motivator, she admits.
“When I lost provincials last year I was so upset. The next day I was back at practice and I’ve been working since last February, whenever the provincials ended, to now just to get to be in a position to win it.”
Heading to Abbotsford, Brinkac anticipates her share of butterflies – and isn’t concerned.
“I love wrestling, it’s my ultimate sport. You’re not depending upon anyone else once you are on the mat. It’s all you,” she said.
“It’s up to you, how hard you work and how well you perform on the mat. I love the feeling that if I put in the effort I can win this match. It has all the aspects – you need flexibility, you need strength, you need stamina. Just to be able to win against someone and know you have these abilities is the best feeling. One win and you’re hooked.”
