Kindergarten to Grade 8 students at St. Michael, Bright’s Grove, Holy Rosary, and St. Philip schools were treated to an exciting introduction to the Olympic sport of wrestling during a recent presentation led by Colin Dykes. Along with the four talented student-athletes from St. Pat’s, Selah Jennings, AJ VanderSlagt, Vito Salamanca Carvajal, and Leo Docherty-Stamos, the demonstration brought energy and enthusiasm to the St. Michael gym. Students discovered the physical and mental benefits of wrestling and got a glimpse of the opportunities available to them in high school.

The session offered a mix of historical insights into the sport and a showcase of accomplished wrestlers, including Brianna Fraser, a former student of both St. Michael and St. Pat’s. Her story served as an inspiring example of how wrestling can help students grow personally and athletically.

“This was such an exciting opportunity for our students to engage with a new sport,” said Stephen DeGurse, Principal at St. Michael. “The energy in the room was incredible, and it’s clear this experience sparked interest in many of our students.”

Scott Johnson, Director of Education, commended the initiative. “It’s wonderful to see our secondary students engaging so meaningfully through athletics with our elementary students. These student-athletes serve as incredible role models, and it’s great to see the excitement building as the younger students begin to envision the opportunities available to them at St. Pat’s.”

This collaborative effort exemplifies the value of extracurricular activities in fostering physical fitness, confidence, and community. By exposing students to new opportunities, initiatives like this pave the way for healthy, active, and inspired futures.