Nelson wrestles his way to WCSG silver
Swift Current’s Luke Nelson fed off the hometown crowd and his teammates to win a silver medal in the 76 KG Division in wrestling at the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games.
Nelson opened his Games on Friday morning when he defeated Nunavut’s Roy Goose 10-0 in the duals. He added a win over the Northwest Territories’ Paul Reid due to injury later that day.
Saturday, Nelson suffered his first loss in a 13-6 setback to Manitoba’s Owen Giancola. He rebounded in impressive fashion later that evening in a crucial win over Alberta’s Owen Gudmundson. Alberta had won six straight matches in the dual and had all the momentum in front of a raucous crowd at the Swift Current Comp. Gymnasium. Nelson and Gudmundson were tied 3-3 before Nelson scored four late points to take a 7-3 victory, a win that clinched a spot in the gold medal match.
Nelson rematched with Giancola on Sunday and lost to place second.
“I’m just glad to bring home a medal for my family and everything. I was hoping for a gold obviously, it’s a little bit disappointing that I couldn’t bring home a gold for them. I think I learned a lot here and improved,” said Nelson just moments after his final match.
Nelson moved up to 76 KG for the WCSG, a jump from his usual 69 KG Division.
“I think the guys were a little bit stronger. But I think I was also a little bit stronger too because I didn’t have to cut weight and normally that’s what I am used too. I think it’s good and more experience.”
Nelson was certainly one of the crowd favorites while wrestling on his home mat.
“It was good. The energy was really high and every time my name got said everyone was just screaming and it helps. I like it and it was a good atmosphere.”
Nelson also won bronze with Saskatchewan in the team event as they finished with a 3-2 record.
“It’s great. I actually enjoy it a lot more than individuals because it seems like your whole team is there supporting you. It’s less nerve-wracking. It almost makes me do better because of all the support I’m getting. It’s really good,” explained Nelson.
He said the Games experience was a very positive one.
“It was really good. It was good being with the team the whole time. Got to meet lots of new people, learn lots of new things.”
Nelson said he will likely go back down to 69 KG again during the high school season with the Swift Current Comp. Colts, where he is the defending provincial champion heading into his grade 11 season.