WATERLOO, ON – The 2023 Canadian Wrestling Championships (Senior, Junior, Cadet) saw some of its fiercest action on March 11, from RIM Park in Waterloo, ON as the senior competition was in full force. So much was on the line for athletes as not only would a win earn them a gold medal but also a place on the senior Pan-American Championships, World Championships and Pan-American Games teams. In addition, it would put them in the top spot of their weight class heading into the Canadian Team Trials, later this year, which will determine wrestlers who are eligible for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Senior Women

On the Senior women’s side, it was Ontario, who earned top honours with the Provincial Team Award. They finished with a total of 77 points to take the award over second place Alberta. Ontario featured four gold medalists: Genevieve Morrison, National Capital Wrestling Club, 50kg; Hannah Taylor, Brock Wrestling Club, 57kg; Olivia Di Bacco, Brock Wrestling Club, 68kg; and Vanessa Keefe, Brock Wrestling Club, 72kg.

Thanks to those three gold medalists, Brock captured the women’s Club Team Award with 56 points. That bested Edmonton Wrestling Club who finished with 37 points in second place.

The Most Outstanding Wrestler was awarded to Morrison. Morrison, a former World Championships bronze medalist in 2015, was returning to the sport after a seven-year layoff. She picked up right where she left off and put forth a truly inspirational performance.

Senior Men

As for the Senior men, it was also Ontario that earned the Provincial Team Award over British Columbia. They concluded a strong day with four gold medals from: Garette Saunders, Brock Wrestling Club, 61kg; Lachlan McNeil, Team Impact Wrestling Club, 65kg; Connor Quinton, Kingston Wrestling Club, 70kg; and Adam Thomson, London-Western Wrestling Club, 74kg.

The Club Team Award went to Burnaby Mountain Wrestling Club, who topped Montreal – NTC by three points 53-50. Burnaby Mountain featured three gold medalists: Darthe Capellan at 57kg, Nishan Randhawa at 97kg, and Amar Dhesi at 125kg.

With a nearly flawless performance during the entire tournament, McNeil was named the men’s Most Outstanding Wrestler.

For full results, by weight classes, visit the tournament site.

Photos from the Canadian Wrestling Championships can be found here.

Tomorrow, the 2023 Canadian Wrestling Championships wrap up with Greco-Roman wrestling. The action begins at 9:30 a.m. If you are in the area, spectators are welcome to attend. Tickets are available at the door. The event will also be streamed on WCL’s YouTube Channel.