OTTAWA— Wrestling Canada Lutte (WCL) has announced three Age Group Team Leads that will help to develop and implement the 2025 national team program. Edmonton’s Owen Dawkins (Edmonton Wrestling Club) will lead the U23 team, Saskatoon’s Shane Bradley (Saskatoon Wrestling Club) will lead the U20 team, and Surrey, British Columbia’s Frank Mensah (Coast Wrestling Academy) will lead the U17 team.

“Each of our Leads brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the age group they are leading,” said Chris Woodcroft, WCL High Performance Director. “They each have a passion for development, are extremely collaborative and have a strong willingness to provide ample domestic and international opportunities to numerous age group athletes. Each Lead has experience in all the age groups from cadet to senior and will be able to guide their respective teams within the development path to set them up for success moving forward.”

The leads will work in collaboration with WCL’s high performance department and IST team to further objectives from the NextGen and Enhanced Excellence programs. They will help to develop athletes by implementing training and competition programs, performance analysis, identify new international competition opportunities and coach the team at international competitions.

These new lead positions were created to address international gaps and find those opportunities for Canadian wrestlers.  All three Leads recognize and are planning to provide increased international opportunities not just for the number one athletes, but for numerous athletes to increase the pool of internationally experienced wrestlers.

“I am truly honoured and excited to have the opportunity to lead our U23 national team. Representing our country at this level is a privilege and a responsibility I do not take lightly,” said Dawkins. “I look forward to working alongside our talented athletes and dedicated coaches as we strive for excellence on the international stage. Together, we will build a culture of belief, accountability, and pride in wearing the Canadian colours.”

“I am eager to bring my enthusiasm, experience, drive to succeed, and commitment to excellence to WCL as a lead for the U20 program. I look forward to working with the next generation of high performing WCL athletes and their coaches to ensure that they have the opportunity to develop and challenge themselves at the international level,” said Bradley.

“It’s an honor to lead the next generation into the future and an opportunity to collaborate with coaches across the country to create a community of champions,” added Mensah.

All coaches were required to be NCCP Competition-Developed certified or higher (Level 4, 5 or Advanced Coaching Diploma). All have previously worked with WCL national teams at the international level and will begin working with their teams immediately as the International schedule is underway.