Devin McCrae, of Heritage Woods secondary school, won the gold medal in the male 66 kg weight class at the B.C. Secondary Schools Wrestling Association provincial championships that wrapped up Tuesday at the Langley Events Centre.
McCrae defeated Rebi Hafizi, from Guildford Park secondary, in the championship match. The victory caps a breakout season for the Grade 12 student who also won gold medals at the University of Calgary’s Dino Invitational last December, the War on the Floor elite tournament at Pinetree secondary later that same month as well as the Wildcat Initational at Burnaby Central secondary and at the prestigious Duke’s Cup tournament, that attracts many of the top high school and collegiate wrestlers from across the province, he lost just one match. In fact, that was the only blemish in his 27 matches overall, including a perfect run of 19 wins against high school opponents.
"It's... an impressive record for a Grade 12 student," said McCrae's coach at Heritage Woods, Allan Mah.
McCrae’s teammate, Joseph Hunter, won a silver in the 70 kg weight class.
Other local wrestlers with top placings in the tournament that attracted more than 500 competitors, include: Michael Evans, of Terry Fox secondary, who finished third in the 110 kg category; Chris Katsiamitis, of Centennial, third in the 74 kg class; Dimitri Katsiamitis, of Centennial, third in the 60 kg class; Keisha Nagarr, of Riverside, second in the female 75 kg category; Ryann McCready, also from Riverside, third in the female 57 kg class.
Maple Ridge secondary won the overall female title, while Tamanawis secondary took home the overall male title and Alberni District took home the combined championship banner.
