Wrestling championships held in North Preston

By Joanne Oostveen - The Weekly News
Fifteen-year-old Tara Dugas only has a few wrestling matches under her belt, but says she already feels empowered and strong.
"Wrestling helps me to be a better person," she said. "It helps keep me composed and is a great experience all around."
Dugas got to experience the thrill of participating in her first meet earlier this month at the North Preston Community Centre along with five other members of her Cole Harbour-based club.
This was the first time the Nova Scotia Open Wrestling Championship was held at the centre and also included athletes from New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
Dugas's coach, Scott Aldridge, said he was proud of all of his athletes that took part in the meet and that it is important to continue to promote this sport that embodies discipline of the body and mind.
"I felt it was important to have the open meet in Preston because it is such a sports-minded community," said Aldridge. "And this sport does give kids a sense of belonging. Plus it is not expensive to join."
Cole Harbour High School Grade 12 student Deven Spencer did well enough at the open meet that he is on the core team for the Nova Scotia Canada Games team.
He agrees with his coach that wrestling is a sport that gives athletes more than physical fitness.
"The fun of the sport is that you often work out in bursts of energy, so you learn how to react quickly," he said. "And unlike team sports, you have to carry the weight of your losses on your own shoulders. But if you work hard you will see results."
Spencer is student council president this year and works part time. He said wrestling has helped him with time management and has taught him to have a better work ethic.
His plans after graduation hopefully include becoming a member of the wrestling team at the University of Guelph.
"I have played football, volleyball and rugby and nothing compares to the all around fitness, strength and discipline of wrestling," said Spencer. "You use every muscle."
Adrian White, another wrestler at the meet in North Preston, won two out of his four matches and said he can't see any reason why wrestling won't be a part of his life for a very long time.
"It is one of the oldest Olympic sports," said White. "And more people should give it a try. Wrestling deserves more recognition."
Aldridge puts the athletes through a training program three to four nights a week and says that anyone can join them at any time.
"Whether you are young or old, rich or poor or black or white, it doesn't matter," said Aldridge.
"Wrestling will give you results and will keep you in shape mentally and physically. And that is what it is all about."
To see the 2009 Nova Scotia Open Wrestling Championship results, go to http://www.wrestlingnovascotia.ca/
joanneoostveen@accesswave.ca
For information, e-mail saldridge88@hotmail.com. They practice at several different locations throughout Cole Harbour, Dartmouth and North Preston and always welcome newcomers.