Ruiter wrestlers win big

Ruiter Wrestling Club attended the Central Gauteng Wrestling Awards, where wrestlers from different clubs were honoured for the hard work and dedication they have put in this year.

This prestigious award ceremony was held in Marks Park, Johannesburg, and out of 21 prestigious awards for wrestlers, officials and coaches, Ruiter Club swiped an incredible 17.

According to Dean van Zyl, the head coach of the club, this year has been one for the books, and the wrestlers poured their hearts and souls into every match, practice and competition.

In the club, awards were presented to various wrestlers, including Wihan Beukes, Danyelle van Heerden, Talia Nolte, Bryson Lubbe, Regard Roos, Kgosi Mathope, Duné van Zyl, Dominick Aoun, Juliette Eagar, TJ Esterhuizen, and Tanith Todkill.

Justin van Zyl was named Senior Wrestler of the Year, while Dean van Zyl and Johan Ochse were both named Master Wrestlers of the Year. Johan Beukes was named Official of the Year, and Leonard Viljoen was the upcoming Official of the Year. Dean van Zyl bagged two other awards for Coach of the Year and Coach with the Most Champions.

“This was a very big year for us, and our club did very well in every competition that we went to. At the beginning of the year, we started with trials for the international reputation of South Africa, and we obtained a total of nine medals. Those wrestlers were then selected to represent SA at the African championships; two wrestlers almost qualified for the Olympics.

“This year alone we had 28 SA champions, 11 silver medalists, and nine bronze medalists,” shared Dean.

“A huge thank you to everyone who supported and encouraged our wrestlers throughout the season.

“Going into the new year, we are hoping to reach even greater heights and be better prepared to accomplish results,” he concludes.