Manor school introduced wrestling to its long list of sports opportunities two seasons ago. April wrapped up the team's second season, but many exciting things happened in the months since.
The team is coached by MMA fighter, Monte McNaughton whose own interest in the sport only began a few years ago
Since the last story in the Observer Tianna Kennett, Manor's elite wrestler, competed in the 18U Canada Cup. Her first match was against Canada's national bronze winner and Kennett lost by a decision. This competition was not a waste of time however, as she felt it was a great experience to see what the level of talent is in North America and she quickly realized that she can be competitive at that level.
For an entire week following the cup, Kennett trained twice a day with Canada's women's Olympic wrestling team coach Leigh Vierling and Olympic gold and bronze medalist Carol Hyuhn and two time Olympic silver and one time bronze medalist Tonya Verbeek.
"The Olympians were very welcoming to talk to and offered great advice to wrestlers and coaches like myself," said McNaughton.
After returning home McNaughton and Kennett took the training techniques and knowledge they acquired in Guelph and trained three times a week.
"We occasionally went up to Regina to train with Cattown Wrestling Club, coached by University of Regina coaches Leo and Dan McGee," explained McNaughton.
Because of the relationship they formed with Cattown; McNaughton and Kennett have been invited to join the club on a trip to the Women's World Wrestling Championships in Edmonton. Kennett and her coach will take part in a two-day camp run by Carol Hyuhn and Tonya Verbeek.
"We will also have an opportunity to watch all of the competition and see the very top of the women's wrestling world in person," McNaughton said excitedly.
McNaughton and his wrestlers expect the work they put in this summer to show in the upcoming season.
