Season of growth for wrestler Buck

  Parkside 2022 graduate now studying and wrestling at Algoma U

 April 21, 2023

Kira Buck won bronze third in her weight division at the Western Junior provincials at Western University. The bronze was one of three medals won during her rookie season.  (photo / courtesy Kira Buck)

By Rob J. Ross 

ST. THOMAS - Kira Buck has elevated her wrestling skills.

The first year psychology student from St. Thomas, has grown greatly in the sport from one season at Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie.

"I have definitely learned a lot from my first year of university wrestling. The next level is so different from when I am used to," said Buck. "There is a whole new quality to and standard for what an athlete is and what a wrestler does."

Buck finished her freshman season finishing seventh in the women's 82-kilogram division, at the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) championships in Hamilton.

"My rookie season was not one full of big wins and clean sweeps. But it was full of learning. I am 10-times the athlete and wrestler that I was in September," Buck said. "Coming in I understood just the tip of the iceberg of what it took to be a great wrestler. The competition at this level is incomparable to anything I have ever seen."

The graduate of Parkside Collegiate in 2022, finished her high school career at OFSAA, the provincial championships, finishing sixth in her weight division.

During her first year at Algoma, Buck won a silver and two bronze medals at invitational meets.

"Rookie season for me was about adjusting to the demands of university and about learning what I need to be a strong competitor in the years to come," Buck said. "The highlight of my year was definitely dependent on my team and my coaches. Coming from a smaller school naturally we don't have the numbers that some of the larger universities have. But we are a tight knit group and we push each other to be better every single day. Our coach knows us well and is able to help us set and achieve individual goals."

A season highlight was competing for the Thunderbirds and being part of the team atmosphere at OUAs.

"Algoma wrestling creates an environment of support and for me that really showed at the OUA championships. We all tried to be at everyone'ss matches to support and to see all the work we had put in come to fruition was such a great feeling," Buck said. "One of my teammates, Kyle Price, placed first and every wrestler on our team was at the side of the mat for his gold medal match cheering him on. To me, a great team that helps you grow will always be the best part of the season."

Buck was named Algoma wrestling Rookie of the Year.

"I am so thankful to Algoma and the wrestling team for this distinction, as I think it is symbolic of just how far I have come from the beginning of the year," Buck said. "I cannot wait to continue to work and grow as a wrestler and see what I can do with my remaining years here."

Kira Buck (in red) grapples with her opponent during a match during the OUA season with the Algoma Thunderbirds . (photo / courtesy Kira Buck)