A Grade 12 student from Revelstoke is heading to Newfoundland this August to grapple with Canada's highest level of competitive wrestling, thanks in part to a Salmon Arm coach who supported her training.

Ashley Booth, a student at Revelstoke Secondary School (RSS), delivered an outstanding performance at the BC School Sports Provincial Wrestling Championships, held in Vancouver on Feb. 22 and 23.

She capped off her undefeated 2024-25 season with a decisive win, pinning previously undefeated wrestler Tamn Mundi of Surrey's Tamanawis Secondary School in the finals. Booth's dominance on the mat earned her the tournament香蕉视频直播檚 Most Outstanding Female Match award.

Following her first-place finish, she was invited back to Vancouver in March to compete in the prestigious BC Wrestling Association Provincial Club Championships. This elite event brings together the province香蕉视频直播檚 top U19 wrestlers, all vying for a spot at the 2025 Canada Games in St. John's, N.L.

After training in Surrey thanks to generous support from the Canadian Mal Wrestling Club, Booth rose to the occasion once again, battling her way to the finals in a best-of-three series where only the top finisher earns the honour of representing Team BC at the Canada Games. In a thrilling rematch against star wrestler Mundi, she found herself trailing in points in both final matches. However, her combination of strength, endurance and technique secured her victory, allowing her to finish the season undefeated.

Booth will now represent Revelstoke and all B.C. in the female 73-kilogram weight class at the Canada Games. Only ten competitors, one from each province, qualify to compete in this prestigious event.

Booth's wrestling journey began in Grade 6, and her passion for the sport has only grown stronger since moving from Lyons, Colo., last summer with her family. Despite being the sole wrestler on the RSS team, she showed her dedication by travelling twice weekly to train with coach Greg Seed and the Salmon Arm Secondary Wrestling & Shuswap Area Sockeyes Wrestling Club, also joining the team for various season competitions.

Seed, who spends most of the year training rugby players, didn't get into coaching wrestlers until after university when a wrestling coach friend experienced a cancer diagnosis and needed support for his athletes. All these years later, Seed was thrilled to welcome Booth into his winter cohort of about 40 wrestling athletes.

"She's pro, man," he told Black Press Media. "She found her niche and really enjoys it."

Seed explained that Booth, bringing more than six years of training and competing in Colorado, came prepared for high competition.

"Ashley's been a great sport to wrestle against the guys," he said in reference to his Salmon Arm club, noting Booth regularly participated in their "shark tank" one-on-one drills and has demonstrated unique talent in reading her opponents to "capitalize on a minute error."

"I learned things from her this year," Seed remarked.

Looking ahead, Booth will continue her wrestling career at the University of Guelph with the Gryphons, under the auspices of coach Doug Cox. Simon Fraser University offered Booth a similar incentive, according to Seed. She has her sights set on becoming an Olympic wrestler and sharing her passion for the sport with younger generations.

"Wrestling builds great camaraderie," Seed said. "Ashley has great respect for her peers, on and off the mat."

Booth香蕉视频直播檚 achievements are making her not only a source of pride for Revelstoke but a rising star in Canadian wrestling.

In other news, anyone interested in coaching for Salmon Arm's Yeti Rugby Club this spring and summer can contact Seed at 250-515-1934 or visit .

This column was contributed by Matt Booth, a Revelstoke veterinarian and Ashley Booth's father.