Robert Galster News Reporter robert@nsnews.com POUYAN Khalili didn’t have a lot of school tradition riding on his shoul- ders when he entered the provincial high school wrestling championships earlier this nionth. The Grade 11 Handsworth student was com- peting in the 38 kg weieht class, but his school hadn't captured a provincial tite in wrestling since 197), “There's quite 3 gap in there,” said Handsworth coach Bill Walters: who started up the tam in 1994 when he came over from Sutherland. Nevertheless Khalili who transterred to the North Vancouver school trom junior high school Balmoral at the start of the year beat the odds and pulled off the fear, putting an end to the champi- onship drought. And he did it in stle — without losing a sin- gle match. Of the four matches he won en route to the north shore news @ SPORTS title, he won the first three by technical superior - ty which is wrestling lingo for running up a lead of 10 points during a match. In the final, Khalili beat his opponenm with a pin while up on points 9-0), “He had a fitte bit of a late start this vear because he had a broken wrist,” said Walters adding his athlere did manage to recover from the varly setback. Perhaps acting as an extra niotivator at the provincial tourney was the presence of Bill Eller, Handsworth’ last provincial champion. Eller who now lives in Victoria won the provincial crown for Handsworth in 1970 and °71 in the 163 fbs. weight class. “After Pouyan’s match, he (Eller) came over and shook his hand,” recalled Walters. Khalili now has next year to trv and match Eller’s teat of winning a provineial crown nwo years running. According to his coach, his chances are good, “He's gor a geod chance to do well next year. It depends on his weight next year,” said Walters. “At 38 ke T.don’t see anyone who could challenge him nest vear, but who knows maybe he'll grow.” Photo subynitied HANDSWORTH Secondary school's past met the present during the provincial wrestling championships where this year’s champion, Pouyan Khaiili, ran into Bill Eller, the last Handsworth wrestler to win a provincial title in 1971. Eagles place eighth at AAA tourney THE Carson Graham Eagles did not live up to expectations set up during the school’s run to the final four in last year’s senior boys’ provincial AAA basketball tournament, but managed to turn a disappointing opening around. The 54th annual tournament featured 20 teams from around the province representing the cream of the province’s boys’ baskethal! Last year, the Eagles finished third overall. The Eagles opened this year’s event with a 70-61 loss to Highland of Comox but bounced back with a win over Hugh McRoberts of Richmond by a 71-61 margin. They improved to a winning record at the tourney with a 61-52 victory over New Westminster before losing 55-51 to MEI of Abbotstord. In the end the Eagles’ two wins and ovo losses placed them eighth overall in the tour- nament. — Robert Galster North Shore Multicultural Society Invites Everyone to Norouz Celebration Iranian New Year Sunday March 21, 1999 Park Royal South 6:30 pm FREE ADMISSION Invitation Tickets Availadle is all Iranian Food & Book Stores, and at the Park Royal Concierge Desk. WN ‘Keiki Polynesia The 1999 Board of Directors election will take place at all VanCity branch tocations, except our in-store branch, from March 19-27, 1999. There are four vacancies, three for a three year term and one for a two year term. information about candidates, the proposed special resolution and the voting process is available at any VanCity branch. This year’s candidates include: No photo provided Mark Steppell Dietmar Hartt . Joerg Germann Greg McDade 53rd Annual General Meeting April 13, 1999, Hyatt Regency Hotel, 7:30 pm. Registration: 6:45 pm. *Door Prizes = * Refreshments + Free Parking * Complimentary round-trip bus service from the following branches: Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Langley, Maple Ridge, Marpoie, North Burnaby, North Delta, Richmond & White Rock. Bus registration is necessary. Call 877-7000 or 1-885-VanCity by April 6, 1999 to reserve a seat. Please refer to the VanCity website for more information: www.vancity.com is, VanCity {t's right here.