HAGERSVILLE—Two years after wrestling made its return to Hagersville Secondary School (HSS), the alumni members behind the effort are looking to expand with an ambitious plan to open a new wrestling club.
Their hope is that the club will attract the next generation of local wrestlers to the mat.
The HSS program was initially conceived by a group of alumni in honour of their former teammate Cliff Weaver, who passed away in 2023.
“We want to continue the almost 40-year tradition of making champions in the Six Nations, Mississauga of the Credit First Nation, and Haldimand area,” said HSS Wrestling Alumni Chairperson Walter Miller.
The goal of the new club would ultimately be to support the area’s amateur wrestling scene, providing new gear, rides when needed, tournament entry fees for members, and “anywhere else we can help,” according to Miller.
Beyond that, the club is hoping to attract younger, elementary-aged students to help give them a “solid wrestling base” before they reach high school.
“We have ordered our own wrestling mat – 39’ by 39’ by 2” thick – and are currently looking for a home for our club. For now, assistant coach Scott Bassindale’s home church in Selkirk has offered to store (the mat) and let us run practices for the time being.
But we are still looking for a permanent home on either Six Nations or Mississauga of the Credit First Nation,” said Miller.
The new club will be committed to “respect and inclusion of all youth,” and will be affiliated with the Ontario Amateur Wrestling Association (OAWA) and Wrestling Canada Lutte (WCL).
Over at HSS, the wrestling program, steered by fellow alum Coach Jonathan Smith, is producing results. Member Gavin Powless achieved a silver medal at an Elite Open event in Cambridge, while Isaiah Maracle became their first student to reach the provincial OFSAA competition last year.
After graduation, Maracle went on to win gold at the 2025 Canada Summer Games held in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
While Maracle began his wrestling career at Cayuga Secondary School at a time when the HSS team wasn’t an option, he joined the Hagersville squad last year.
Miller believes Maracle is a role model for his younger peers, with his strong performance and accolades inspiring any number of younger athletes to follow in his footsteps.
“I am told by Coach John Smith the rookies are eyeing the OFSAA path with enthusiasm,” said Miller.
While the HSS program is still growing, with just five students enrolled for the 2025-26 year, Miller shared, “Do we wish more students came out? Absolutely. Are we proud of what they did? You bet.”
While the new club is still in the planning stages, Miller is looking for new coaches to help make the venture as successful as possible. He listed the ideal candidate as someone with a background in wrestling and a great enthusiasm for the sport.
“We would get them certified if need be,” said Miller.
In addition to their search for a permanent home, the club also needs sources for financing and a base of volunteers to help with fundraising events.
Both the HSS program and the new club share a simple mission statement: To positively impact the lives of our youth by providing a structured and supportive environment where athletes can achieve their potential both on and off the mat.
“Wrestling starts with a vision, a quest of who you want to be. As in life, you need a game plan as to where you want to get. And the way to get there is by focus, determination, and drive. So, see it, take your shot, and finish what you start. Winning is not a ‘sometime’ thing,” said Miller.
While no plans are set in stone just yet, Miller hopes to establish a training routine with two to three meetings per week, such as Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
He encouraged all those interested in joining to reach out.
“Anyone who wants to help can send donations to hsswrestlingalumni@yahoo.com or contact the HSS Wrestling Alumni or Walter Miller on Facebook,” he added.
To help support the program and club, HSS Wrestling Alumni will once again host a charity golf tournament on August 8. The tournament, named Closest to the Cliff in honour of their late peer, is promoting a $20,000 cash prize, sponsored by local business Muck’s, for anyone who is able to sink a hole-in-one.
To register, contact Chasity Martin at 519-732-9941 or send an email to hsswrestlingalumni@yahoo.com. Registration costs $150 and includes a cart, lunch, and live music following the tournament.
Miller called the effort behind the club and tournament a lot of work, “but as I say all the time, our kids and community are worth it.”
