Nechako Valley Secondary School wrestler Jesse Raymond, 17, proved his worth as a promising up-and-comer during the Canadian National Cadet and Juvenile Wrestling Champison April 9-12.
The grade-eleven student placed fourth overall against 23 athletes in his division. Nearly 400 athletes in 12 weight classes competed in the country-wide free-style and greco-roman tournaments. During the free-style event Raymond won two matches and lost two and although he was eliminated, still placed top ten.
He also entered into the greco-roman where he won four matches, lost two.
His second loss was for the bronze medal so he was close but got fourth, NVSS coach travis Himmelright said.
“He did really well. The good news is he now has the experience. Jesse will be our captain next year in Gr 12 taking on a huge leadership role,” Himmelright said.
As next year’s captain, Raymond will run warm ups and become a conduit for communication.
“For example, if the kids can’t contact me and can’t make it to practise, they can let Jesse know. I think he’s ready since he’s had a lot of natural leadership ability, he’s outgoing, has a big presence, confident and kids respond to that,” Himmelright said.
Wrestling season starts again in October 2016 but, preferably the season never ends, Himmelright said
“A lot of wrestlers have gone on to other sports for the summer and I hope many of them go on to do wrestling camps and continue to develop skills and improve techniques,” he’s said.
Which is exactly what Raymond plans to do. “My goal is to keep mentally and physically strong over the summer, attend camps and watch motivational videos of my favourite wrestlers. It’s what drives me to be stronger,” Raymond said.
A thank you goes out to sponsors who helped send Jennor Nohr and Jesse Raymond to nationals.