Between the Lines: Wrestling in Kenora — More Than a Match

It started with a conversation, one of those casual chats where you say something without thinking too hard about it. I was talking with a friend about youth sports in Kenora, and I mentioned that wrestling didn’t seem to have much of a following here. I figured it was one of those sports that hadn’t really taken root in our community.

My friend didn’t hesitate. “You’re wrong,” she said, smiling. “My daughter Hailey wrestles. You should look into it.”

So I did. And what I found was a story worth telling.

At the heart of Kenora’s wrestling program is a mission that’s simple but powerful: to help youth realize their potential through sport. Wrestling here isn’t just about competition, it’s about character. It’s about teaching young people that how we fell isn’t nearly as important as how we get up. That message is woven into every practice, every drill, every team talk.

I corresponded with Coach Kyle Garner, one of the program’s leaders, and quickly realized that wrestling in Kenora is thriving, quietly, steadily, and with a deep sense of purpose. Alongside coaches Gary Lynch and Sam Cameron, Kyle helps guide a growing group of athletes through a sport that demands resilience, emotional control, and commitment.

Their practices aren’t just about takedowns and technique. They’re about building respect, accountability, and confidence, the kind that sticks with you long after you leave the mat.

This season is especially exciting. Wrestlers in grades 7 through 10 have the opportunity to qualify for the Ontario Winter Games, with a regional tournament scheduled for December in Thunder Bay. Those who earn a spot will represent Northwestern Ontario on a provincial stage in February, a major milestone for any young athlete.

And looking ahead, the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) are just two years away. At the last NAIG, Kenora’s club sent five athletes to compete, and Coach Gary had the honour of coaching Team Ontario. That legacy is something the program is proud of and determined to build on.

In Kenora’s wrestling program, growth matters more than gold. While medals and placements are celebrated, the focus is on personal development. Every athlete sets individual goals, and coaches work with them to track progress, not just in performance, but in mindset.

Elementary-aged athletes take part in regular team talks, where the focus shifts from sport to values: integrity, character, and moral decision-making. These conversations are just as important as the physical training. They help shape the kind of people these athletes will become, not just in sport, but in life.

The program works closely with organizations like Indigenous Sport and Wellness Ontario, Right to Play, Triple Play, and the Kenora Chiefs Advisory (KCA). Their support helps ensure wrestling is accessible and inclusive a sport for everyone.

The club’s home base is the Neechee Friendship Centre, located on the second floor of the old Legion building at 300 McClellan Avenue. It’s more than just a practice space, it’s a place where young people come to grow, connect, and belong.

Local businesses like Dunit Contracting also lend their support, providing a trailer to transport wrestling mats so the sport can reach surrounding communities. And through the “Try Wrestling” program, run in partnership with KCA and Right to Play, youth are given the chance to experience wrestling for the first time, breaking down barriers and opening doors.

Whether athletes go on to compete at the varsity level or head straight into the workforce, the hope is that wrestling helps prepare them for whatever comes next.

And then there are the coaches, each bringing their own story, experience, and passion to the mat.

Gary Lynch, a former Lakehead University wrestler and now Vice Principal at Beaver Brae, has a lifelong connection to combat sports and youth mentorship.

Sam Cameron, head of Beaver Brae’s Music Department, blends his wrestling background with training in Jiu-Jitsu and a commitment to healthy living.

Kyle Garner, a Youth Outreach Worker, brings years of wrestling experience and a deep dedication to creating opportunities for youth across the Treaty 3 area.

Together, they form a coaching team that’s as invested in personal growth as they are in athletic success.

The program has already produced some standout athletes. Julian Rhind, now wrestling at the University of Guelph, was ranked 2nd in Canada last year and continues to inspire younger athletes. Augustus Garner, entering his third season, placed 2nd at Matmen last December and medaled at every tournament last year, a testament to his perseverance and passion.

And then there’s a rising wave of female high school wrestlers, who’ve made their mark at OFSAA, the Ontario Winter Games, the North American Indigenous Games, and even the Canadian National Championships. Their success is rewriting the narrative, proving that wrestling is for everyone.

One of those athletes is Hailey Trent, the girl who started this story.

Hailey began wrestling just last year, but from the moment she stepped onto the mat, it was clear she was a natural. Her ability to pick up new techniques and her drive to push herself stood out immediately. She trains with the elementary boys, not because she has to, but because she wants to, and she makes sure they know that girls can do anything boys can do.

She brings humour, confidence, and a smile that lights up the room. Her coaches are thrilled she’s back this season, and they’re excited to see how far she’ll go. Hailey isn’t just a talented athlete, she’s a leader, a role model, and a reminder of what this sport is all about.

Pre-season training kicks off September 23rd, with practices running through the end of October at the Neechee Friendship Centre:

Elementary (Grades 1–6): Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:00–6:30 PM
Middle & High School (Grades 7–12): Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:30–6:00 PM

Youth are encouraged to come try a practice or two before committing. And once registered, athletes will have the chance to compete in five tournaments, four in Manitoba and one right here in Kenora, with the home tournament scheduled for January.

Registration details are available on the Lake of the Woods Wrestling Facebook page, and flexible payment options are offered to help keep the sport accessible for all families.

So yes, I was wrong!

Wrestling in Kenora isn’t just surviving. It’s thriving. It’s building strong, resilient young people. It’s creating opportunities. And it’s quietly becoming one of the most impactful youth sports in our community.

If I’m ever invited to a practice or a meet here in Kenora, I’ll gladly accept the invitation, and I’ll proudly admit I was wrong. Because wrestling in Kenora is more than a match. It’s a movement.