Ottawa – After an extensive process, the national sport governing body for Olympic-style wrestling in Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Crookham as the Medical Director for Wrestling Canada Lutte.

The medical director of Wrestling Canada Lutte is a voluntary position and is responsible for directing the medical support of the association’s athletes.

“Within this important role, the Medical Director will supervise the care of our athletes, collaborate with primary care physicians, facilitate prompt appropriate care and oversee the general heath of our athletes,” says Wrestling Canada Lutte Executive Director Tamara Medwidsky. “Jason brings with him extensive knowledge and valuable relatable experience to this new role.”

Crookham is presently the Director of Sport Medicine at the Fortius Sport & Health in Burnaby BC. He has worked extensively with NCAA wrestling at the University of Michigan during a Sport Medicine Fellowship. Most recently he was also the head team physician for the Calgary Flames AHL affiliate; the Abbotsford Heat during 2013/14 season.

A former professional cyclist, Crookham earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine and Fellowship in Sports Medicine from the University of Michigan. In addition to the Abbotsford Heat, he is the former Team Physician for the NCAA Big Ten University of Michigan Wolverines (football, basketball, hockey and soccer) as well as the Maxxis Professional Mountain Bike Team.

“It is my pleasure to accept the position of medical director of Wrestling Canada Lutte,” says New Medical Director Crookham. “Wrestling is a foundational Olympic sport and Canada has a history of excellence. I look forward to joining the team.”

While athlete health will always be the primary focus, the Medical Director will also support Wrestling Canada Lutte committees, consult on policy and procedural issues, attend national and international level events as well as liase with coaching staff when required.

The new Medical Director position starts April 1, 2015.