By Jasmine Franklin
Being covered in bruises can only mean one thing for Kelsey Raab who took her wrestling to a national competition for the first time — success.
Competing among the best of the best is a big challenge to face, however, Raab, 15, took skills and charisma to the national wrestling competition in British Columbia and landed a third-place finish for her weight category and recognition as the best in her rookie class.
Raab was still in shock the day after her return from B.C. not quite comprehending the impact of her successes.
“It honestly still hasn’t sunk in,” Raab said. “It was a lot harder than other tournaments. (I) absolutely did not go thinking I would place as I did — it was more for the experience.”
Raab is now considered the third best female wrestler in Canada for her 69 kilogram weight class in the cadet category (grades 9 and 10).
Taking place April 8 to 11 at Simon Fraser University, Raab’s first two matches were not what she expected. “I lost both of them,” she said. “My nerves really got to me.”
But with her supportive parents Brenda, Rick and extended family members supporting her, Raab got her composure together and got down to business.
On the second day of the tournament, she won both matches by pinning her opponents.
“I tried two moves I had never done in a tournament before,” Raab said smiling. “I was just going through my head on what to do next and I tried it out.”
Performing a shoulder throw and a fireman’s throw, Mrs. Raab said her daughter received a standing ovation from the crowd after one of her pins.
“She was pushing me out of bounds and wanted me to go out,” Raab said about her component. “But I kept thinking, ‘Nuh-uh, you go first.”
“It was absolutely incredible,” Mrs. Raab said. “She fought to the bitter end.”
The meet included competitors from every province. Participants are split into different weight classes and are either placed in the juvenile category, ages 17 and 18, or in the cadet (rookie) category, grades 9 and 10.
Raab was the only female from her Strathcona Wrestling Club that qualified for nationals and finished best in her cadet class.
“Seeing the medal is a bonus for sure,” her father said. “But watching her hard work and dedication — that’s what makes you proud.”
Raab’s success comes from commitment and hard work.
Since November, a strict diet, and five-day per week workout schedule has given her the conditioning and training needed to get to her level.
Training in Wetaskiwin and at the University of Alberta, Raab said she can’t slow down her training now and must continue to build strength.
Where to go from here
Aside from several training camps this season, next on the list for Raab is the chance to make the 2011 Canadian Western Games team.
Tryouts are held this August and if she makes the team she would have the opportunity to travel throughout North America to wrestle.
She was invited by the Alberta Amateur Wrestling Association to try out for the team after her wins at the Junior Olympics and Alberta Open competitions in February and March.
“Wrestling…it’s what I love to do,” Raab said.
Raab is grateful to all of those who helped support her along the way including Olympian Mellisa Hollingsworth who sent Raab a letter encouraging her to chase her dreams, all businesses who put out money jars to help Raab raise money, Rip’N Ronnie’s for a free membership for her training, as well as the staff and students of Ponoka Composite High School, Accupublishing for complimentary posters, Sunny 94, Earl and Wendy Peavoy and Wetaskiwin coach Mike Spinney who took her to nationals and “took her in like family.”