School News
Rieno Niemi Memorial Wrestling Tournament
It has been said, “In wrestling you will face many opponents, but the toughest opponent you will face is yourself”. Although wrestling is a team sport, you step on those mats alone, no excuses, and you win or lose alone. It is a combat sport, where losing means you have been physically beaten, tossed, choked and grinded upon against your will. It takes incredible courage to wrestle. I am so proud of every Warrior wrestler for accepting this challenge, for not backing down, and for responding with every win and loss with respect, humility, and pride.
In life, I believe, we are the sum of our experiences; the great thing is that we determine how those experiences define us and growth is key. The Rieno Niemi Memorial Tournament was held at St. Ignatius High School in Thunder Bay on December 18. The Sioux North Warrior wrestling team came 4th overall out of 9 secondary schools. Many medals were won, but it was our rookie wrestlers who really shined. Athletes like Josh Rice (Gr.9), who was “Banged up”, contemplated forfeiting, but showed the intestinal fortitude to take on the challenge and left everything on the mats. Marcus Apetawekeesic (Gr. 11) took out every wrestler in his category, until he ran into last year’s provincial bronze medalist. Kianna Barker (Gr.9) improved steadily throughout the tournament and will be a force to be reckoned with in the near future. Julez Maud (Gr.9) kept a frenetic pace throughout his matches. Omi Sakamoto, a Grade 7 wrestler and our youngest competitor, took on the challenge of High School competition. Warrior Wrestlers, we are proud of every single one of you!
Coaches Sakamoto, Cospito, and Southwind
Rieno Niemi Memorial Wrestling Tournament results:
Silver - Kierin Davis, Levi Melnichuk, Josh Rice, Marcus Apetaakeesic, and Jules Maud
Bronze - Omega Sakamoto, Kianna Barker, Mason Clace, Serena Anderson, Dylan Skuse, and Riley Thiverge
Fourth - Ethan Nadeu
Fifth - Bradley Grenier
Eighth - Jacob Thiverge and Nicholas Brohm