Wrestlers bring back placings
A group from the Waikanae Wrestling Club did well in the North Island Wrestling Championships held in Hamilton.
The club took a small group of wrestlers to compete in the championships which featured about 150 competitiors.
“All seven of the competitors from the club placed either first or second in their weight categories, with one of them awarded ‘most scientific’ for the technical moves he used during his matches,” the club’s Suzanne Duker said.
“For such a small club, the kids did amazingly.
“This is such a huge testament to the quality coaching we have here in Waikanae and we are very lucky that both Ivano Rutten and Mark Scrimshaw [both former NZ reps] give up their time to coach these kids.”
Next year the championships will be held at the Ngapurapura Gym in O¯ taki.
“We are excited that our kids will be able to showcase their skills in front of a home crowd.”
Duker said the club had a long history of both juniors and seniors.
“However, over the years the unfortunate drop off in numbers has seen the club reduced to a small junior squad.
“This squad is made up of around six families who are all dedicated to the club.
“Ivano and Mark were both New Zealand representative wrestlers and their passion for the sport is evident when they are teaching the kids.”
Results:
Cullam Vincent, 6, 1st Malachi Duker, 7, 1st
Wyatt Vincent, 9, 1st — most scientific
Po¯ tiki Nakhla, 9, 1st
Tairua Nakhla, 11, 2nd Kahurere MacKay, 12, 2nd Manawatoa Nakhla, 13, 2nd Jack Scrimshaw, 17, 3rd in freestyle and 1st in Greco Roman
■ Interested in wrestling? Feel free to visit the club at its base in Waikanae Park, Park Rd, on a Wednesday,