Raptors wrestlers win at nationals
For many competitors it was their first time at such a big event.
A local wrestling club did the East Rand proud when they walked away with six medals at the SA Youth Championships last month.
For many of the Raptors wrestlers, whose club is based in Primrose, Germiston, it was their first time at nationals. They didn’t let this or the fact that the competition was in a different province scare them off.
They headed to Wynberg in Cape Town where they did their best, and their best was enough.
“I cannot express in words the pride I have in this wonderful wrestling team of ours. They brought back an amazing six medals,” said Dewald de Wet, the team’s head coach.
The gold medallists were Rico van der Westhuizen, Daniella de Wet and Shannon Jansen van Rensburg. Janick Kruger and Wiandru van Rooyen walked away with silver and Ciara Deale walked away with bronze.
“Three members of our club, unfortunately, did not manage to medal at this championship, but the grace that they displayed in defeat, speaks volumes of the kind of gentlemen and champions they are,” De Wet added.
Assistant coach Lorinda Jansen van Rensburg said she was also happy with the club’s results.
“We were satisfied with our wrestler’s preparation to participate at this prestigious event. Every wrestler knew that they would compete against the best opponents in their respective age and weight categories.”
Anyone interested in joining the Raptors Wrestling Club can contact Dewald de Wet on 083 611 7169.
