Local wrestling stars off to Africa
"It is not often that this happens and our local wrestlers can certainly claim bragging rights. Both Wiehan and Edrich are from our home grown club, the Northern KZN Rhinos."
Two local wrestlers will be heading to Cameroon in June to compete in the continental African championships.
Wiehan Whelan (17) was selected in for the National Junior Greco-Roman team in the 69-74kg-weight division.
Edrich Nortje (15) made the cut in the 50-54 kg-weight division in the National Cadet Free-Style team while official, Lizzy de Wet of the Newcastle Cougars, was elected as team manager, and will accompany the teenagers on their African adventure.
“We are proud that the Orange Grove KZN Provincial Wrestling team has produced three members of the national team,” said coach, Steven Brown.
Profile: Frederik Cornelius Johannes Nortje
15-years-old weighing 54 kg;
Started wrestling in 2006;
Grade 10 learner at Dundee High School;
Highest achievement: silver medal during 2015 in Egypt in the all Africa championships;
He is the winner of seven SA titles, two silver and two bronze medals in the national competitions;
His goal: Olympic glory;
His role model: South Africa wrestling star, Heinrich Barnes.
Profile: Wiehan Whelan
17-years-old, weighing 74 kg;
Started wrestling in 2008;
Grade 11 learner at Sarel Cilliers;
Highest achievement: Qualifying and participation in the world championship in Bosnia 2015;
He has won more than 50 medals in competitions all over the country;
His goal: To make his parents proud;
His role model/s: Danie and Erica Pelser who gave up everything to follow God.
