Marina Dykstra got a grip on university-calibre wrestling, competing at the Nordhagen Junior Classic held at the University of Calgary, Jan. 29.
The Grade 12 Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School student, who is a member of the 100 Mile Wrestling Club, has her eye on attending the university next year and was invited to compete in the tournament and attend a camp prior to the event.
Dykstra wrestled in five matches to win a bronze medal, and left the mat with confidence knowing she fits in at the university level. The matches she lost were only by a point or two.
"It was good to have female competition at that high level. I learned lots. I wasn't expecting to medal at my first university tournament."
At the camp, Dykstra shared the mat with Canadian 2008 Olympic gold medallist Carol Huynh and 2012 Canadian Olympic Wrestling Team member Leah Callahan.
According to her coach Phil Johnston, Dykstra made such a good impression in Calgary that she has been invited back to train with the university varsity team in mid-March and prior to nationals.
Johnston has been coaching Dykstra since her Grade 9 season, and while he couldn't be more proud of his promising young athlete, his feelings are bittersweet.
"I haven't been looking forward to this year because at the end, she'll be leaving. It's been great coaching her. At the same time, I'm really happy because she's doing so well."
Dykstra was the 2010 National Cadet Women's 54-kilogram national champion, but injury took her out of contention for a repeat in 2011. She is hoping for a comeback at the 2012 nationals, April 12-16 in Fredericton, New Brunswick.
Meanwhile, younger sister, Tiana Dykstra, also continues to prove herself as a skilled wrestler. At the Port Alberni Invitational on held Feb. 4-5, she won gold in the 43-kg School Girl division and was named Most Outstanding School Girl.
That meet attracted more than 250 competitors and was one of the seeding tournaments for provincials.
"She's doing extremely well, as expected," says Johnston. "She has the killer instinct."