Captain of the Nechako Valley Secondary School wrestling team, Jennor Nohr, 17, left nationals bruised but not defeated.
The Canadian National Cadet and Juvenile Wrestling Championship took place April 9-12 in Fredericton New Brunswick. Nearly 400 athletes from around the country competed in 12 weight classes in both free-style and greco-roman (upper body only) tournaments.
Placing first in the province at provincials, Nohr was confident going into the national tournament. He won his first match by a ten point lead sending the provincial champion into his second match head held high.
“I was winning my second match when my opponent picked me up in a double leg lift and dropped me on my ribs, winning the match,” Nohr said. “I had to go see the paramedics that were on hand and they ruled that my rib might be broken or at least suffering from deep bruising.”
The paramedics advised Nohr to forfeit but he tried to continue. He wrestled another match despite concerns from his coach but unfortunately lost because the pain become unbearable, Nohr said.
“I was heartbroken at the time, it was a huge loss for me, but through the support of my team mates, family and coach I was able to gain good spirit about it,” Nohr said.
Teammate Jesse Raymond, 17, who also participated at nationals said he was sad to see his friend get hurt.
“It’s been great seeing how much [Jennor] has succeeded and to see him get hurt in his second match at nationals… he probably would have come back a champion. Jennor’s been my training partner, pushing me to be a better wrestler. We push each other to be better and I can honestly say he’s a huge reason I’ve made it this far too.”
NVSS coach Travis Himmelright said the match that broke Nohr’s ribs was against a kid from Montreal who went on to place sixth.
“I think Jennor would have beat him but you never know. It was frustrating because the guy who came third in the province when Jennor came first ended up placing second at the national tournament,” Himmelright said
Universities however are still knocking on Nohr’s door for possible scholarships and he is on his way to a full-recovery.