WILKIE--McLurg wrestler Darren Toothill has won the national Greco Championship in the junior age bracket (university).
Darren is a Grade 12 student at McLurg and the category he competed in is traditionally populated by university students. He has been with the McLurg and Gorilla wrestling programs since 2015.
Since 2015, Darren has won club provincial silver in 2017. In 2020, he won SHSAA provincial silver and the boys’ team SHSAA team gold medal. In 2022, Darren was part of the club provincial gold medal, the Club Greco provincial gold, the SHSAA boys” team gold and also won a National Greco gold medal. Coach Christ Kent says, “His overall record is 100-21.”
“Greco Roman wrestling is a competition where you can not do leg attacks or even touch the legs. There are a lot of high amplitude throws and it can be quite exciting to watch. August Bayliss, who wrestled for our club team, also winning multiple provincial championships, won national Grego gold in 2018,” says Kent.
McLurg wrestler, Scott Huber, is also a Grade 12 student who competed at the national championship June 10 weekend. He competed in both freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling.
Kent says of the national event, “It was not the weekend we expected or wanted. Scott had 23 athletes in his freestyle pool. He was one of the favoured wrestlers to medal. He won his first match quite easily and started to dominate his second match 8-0. The other wrestler rushed him and caught him off guard earning the pin. Scott then lost his next match in the B side ending the freestyle tourney for him.
“There were 15 wrestlers in the Greco Roman. Scott loves to throw so we were excited for the day, although a back injury occured. After consultation with on-site medical personnel, it was recommended he not continue, thus ending his national run."
Kent adds, “I cannot stress enough what a tough and amazing kid he is. I have had the pleasure of coaching two other Huber kids (Wyatt, Koralie) Dan and Becky Huber have raised some of the finest young people I have ever coached."
Kent said the Huber children's character, athleticism and personality are a testimonial to the amazing family they come from.
"I am so proud of Scott and all of his accolades, but I am even more impressed with the amazing young man he is.”
