Looking to handicap the field when it comes to the 2012 Ron Preston City High School Wrestling Championships in February??

Simply look for the athletes who were given "The Boot" in December.

While that might sound contradictory, the fact is the traditional Boot wrestling tournament, hosted each and every December and attracting the bulk of the city's top wrestlers, provides a wonderful preview of many who are likely to succeed at the SDSSAA competition some two months later.

Some familiar names to keep an eye on have returned with a vengeance this year. A defending NOSSA silver medallist in the 77 kg category, Derek Galloway of Lockerby helped lead the Vikings to the overall aggregate "Boot" championship, walking away with top honours in that same weight class.

Joel Lamontagne of Champlain has moved up one grouping, picking up gold at Lasalle in the 67.5 kg division after capturing a NOSSA silver medal last February while wrestling with the 64 kg grouping.

Overcoming some injury issues from last year, sisters Victoria and Alannah Day both topped their respective pools, finishing first in 54 kg and 61 kg respectively.

The Lancers continue to enjoy a breakthrough in the sport of wrestling, winning the overall boys championship thanks to first place finishes from Dustin Pretty (47.5 kg), Mason Cheechoo (72 kg), Jon Usitalo (83 kg), Jeff Brault (95 kg) and Tim Glasgow (UNL).

Following is a complete listing of those wrestlers who won their weight classifications at "The Boot":

In other wrestling news of interest to locals, one-time Sudbury competitors Celeste Rodrigues and Diana Ford both recently captured gold at the Ontario Senior Wrestling Championships.

Both young ladies were representing Brock University at the meet which featured athletes from a number of provincial universities as well as a few club teams across the province.