High school wrestling season has officially started up at Port Hardy Secondary School.
With the first tournament of the season coming up Nov. 29 in Nanaimo, PHSS Wrestling's head coach/team manager Paul Cagna has been busy working with assistant coach Tyson Whitney to help prepare their wrestlers for battle.
"I’m looking forward to helping the team become successful this season," said Cagna when asked to comment, noting he's excited to "help develop our new prospects while helping to develop team leadership and school spirit."
Even more importantly, Cagna added he's expecting the PHSS wrestling team to have a great time this season.
"This is our third year of competitive wrestling with some new wrestlers mixed in with the veteran wrestlers. I’m expecting to have a few more female wrestlers enter the fray, but we’ll see who turns out in the coming weeks."
PHSS has successfully managed to send two wrestlers to the provincial championships the past two years, and this year the coaches are expecting no different.
"Our junior and senior wrestlers have a good chance to compete and qualify," stated Cagna, noting Grade 11 student Anthony Blacha has really been leading the way in the practice room so far this season. "We also have a few dark horses who could make some noise in their respective divisions."
Like all other youth sports, the PHSS wrestling team will be needing some community support this year.
"We have set-up a donation system through Port Hardy Return-It centre," confirmed Cagna. "Just bring your bottles and cans in and a portion of the proceeds go to the team. We’re also looking to possibly hold a community raffle, running the concession stand on Tuesday at the school, or a community dinner."
The wrestling team will also be accepting community donations and sponsorships from local businesses.
"We will be giving free advertising at events for those business that support our team," Cagna added. "Donations can be made at PHSS or to Mr. Whitney at the North Island Gazette."
