Schools from all over the province took part in the regional tournament in Prince Albert. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

By Ian Gustafson

Regional Battle

P.A. hosts Regional Wrestling Championships

Mar 1, 2020 | 8:00 AM

The 2020 Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association (SHSAA) Regional Wrestling Championships were hosted in Prince Albert.

On Friday and Saturday, schools from all over the province came to École St. Mary High School to compete for a spot in Provincials.

Curt Hundeby, head coach of the St. Mary Marauders football team and volunteer organizer for the tournament, said every school that has wrestling outside of Saskatoon and Regina took part in the tournament.

“There’s definitely a lot of schools and it’s one of those sports where as long as you have two people, they can practice against each other and be able to put a team together,” Hundeby said. “So, you don’t need a massive team or a massive school to make it happen.”

The school gym was packed with people cheering on their schools as both male and female students in Grades 9 to 12 competed in different weight classes.

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“It’s a lot of fun, and it’s a culmination of a season, so a lot of these athletes have seen each other at different tournaments whether it’s in Saskatoon, or whether it’s in Moose Jaw, or wherever it happens to be,” Hundeby explained. “There’s a lot of familiarity by the time they get to this point. So, there’s a lot of not just competitiveness but there’s a lot of comradery that happens in wrestling.”

Both male and female wrestlers competed in different weight classes for a chance to go to provincials. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

He added there is a mix of wrestlers who are new to the sport as well as veteran participants who have competed for multiple years. The unique part of the sport he said is that it’s made for any size and shape of competitor.

“You don’t have to be super tall; you don’t have to be super stalky, any body type there’s different aspects of wrestling that can be advantageous for you,” he said.

The St. Mary High School gym was packed with people cheering on their schools as both male and female students in Grade 9 to 12 competed. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

He said in wrestling it’s challenging because one mistake can lose a wrestler the match.

“As a veteran wrestler you still have to be really focused and really sharp because all it takes is one miss step, one miss throw and all of a sudden you’re turned and you’re on your back and now you’re fighting to stay alive in the match.”

Sydni Natomagan, a Grade 12 student at St. Mary High School said she feels this year her matches have been more exciting.

“I’ve been more excited to compete, obviously I still get a little nervous, but I just try to stay in that right mindset of I’m here to wrestle and I’m grateful to wrestle,” she said.

Donovan Neudorf, a Grade 11 student at St. Mary High School said it’s fun to compete when it means something, especially if it means a trip to Provincials.

“It’s also a lot of fun seeing all your friends from around the province and cheering your teammates on,” he explained.

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Ian.gustafson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @iangustafson12