St Mary's Denis Orsar gets the upper hand on his opponent. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Wrestling

Mat wars: St. Mary High School hosts unique wrestling competition

Feb 6, 2024 | 7:20 AM

A first-of-its-kind wrestling competition was held on Monday at Prince Albert’s St. Mary High School, and while there was a great sense of pride on the line, the end goal was more about promoting the sport.

Involved in the duals event were St. Mary, Carlton, Carrot River, Meadow Lake and Outlook. Sydney Rumboa is a grade 11 student at St. Mary and one of three co-captains on her wrestling team. She told paNOW the tournament is one of the coolest things she’s ever experienced.

“I think a lot of people don’t realize how strong the Prince Albert wrestling club is and I think it’s time for them to know,” she said

Noting the impact COVID-19 had on students, Rumbo said she experienced a loss in athleticism. Upon returning to school, she saw a poster inviting people to sign up for wrestling

“I said I’m just gonna join and it was one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life,” she said.

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St Mary and Carrot River face off. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

St Mary’s current team has 45 members. Tate McDougall is St. Mary’s assistant coach and also loved the idea of having the community come out to see what they do.

“I see the pro wrestling circuit comes around Prince Albert lots and it’s awesome but amateur wrestling and just how great of a sport it is, isn’t covered as much in our area,” he said. “I’m really glad for it to get some face in the community.”

Handling the reffing duties were Taebyn Tulp and Owen Gustafson, who are both members of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies wrestling team. Tulp went to school in Outlook.

“I think it’s so important for small-town kids to get the same experience that the city kids do. We are farther away and don’t get as much as training opportunities until like regionals and provincials,” she said.

Noting her own experience in high school, travelling great distances for training or competitions, Tulp was very proud to be a part of Monday’s event.

While there were no actual points or results recorded for the one-day event, all the coaches expressed happiness. Among the outstanding performances were St. Mary’s Owen Ferchuk, who entertained the crowd with his flying squirrel move. Grade 11 student Ava Fyrk was able to turn her opponent in the last second.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell