In his final match as a high school-aged wrestler, Olds' Kevin Waldron won silver at the 2016 ASICS Cadet/Juvenile Canadian Wrestling Championships.
In three previous trips to the national championship, Waldron had never medalled. His goal this season was to leave his fourth appearance with some hardware.
He did so in the Greco-Roman event, the style of wrestling where all the grappling takes place above the waist.
Waldron had never competed in that style and barely had any practice. He said he had to remind himself not to attack his opponents' legs.
But he believes his inexperience allowed him to stay relaxed during the tournament.
"Actually, I think that helped me a little. I went in thinking, well, there's no pressure on me, I'm not expected to do well. If I lose, it's whatever, not the end of the world," he said.
With the silver medal, Waldron, 18, finishes a decorated high school wrestling career. All told, over four years, he's won five bronze medals, eight silvers and five golds. He also medalled at every tournament this year.
Wrestling has been the highlight of his high school life. Coach George Grant's 6 a.m. practices built character. The small, close-knit team strengthened friendships.
Waldron will have post-secondary options because of the sport, with opportunities to wrestle and study at either the University of Regina or the University of Calgary.
He's leaning toward U of C, so he'd get the chance to wrestle against his older brother Austin, currently in Regina and the reason he started wrestling in the first place. The two are in the same 85-kilogram weight class.
"I don't know who would win now. I feel like he would still win because he's got two university years on me," he said.
