Peterborough will host one of Canada’s biggest high school sporting events next week as the OFSAA wrestling championships return to the city. With weigh-ins on March 2 and the competition taking place March 3 and 4 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC), organizers are expecting over 900 athletes from more than 250 schools, along with over 450 coaches.
The tournament, last held in Peterborough in 2012, is the largest wrestling competition in the country and a major stage for future national and international athletes. For many wrestlers, stepping onto the PMC floor, where many of them have watched Lakers and Petes games, will be a career highlight.
Adam Scott teacher and wrestling coach Ryan McCracken says OFSAA is the largest high school wrestling tournament in Canada, offering fans a chance to see the future stars of the sport. Having competed in four championships during his high school career at Kenner, capturing a range of finishes from top 16 to champion, the former Brock University wrestler says competing on a big stage like OFSAA is a special feeling.
With the tournament being such a huge undertaking, it can be a tough task to find schools willing to take on the responsibility of hosting such a large event. When McCracken heard this year’s championship was in limbo, he felt it was his duty to step forward to ensure the athletes and coaches would not miss out on their opportunity to compete at high school’s highest level.
Behind the scenes, a committee of volunteers, school staff, and regional associations has been coordinating logistics, from mats and weigh-ins to technical support from the Ontario Amateur Wrestling Association. Twelve mats will be set up across the PMC floor and warm-up areas, ensuring athletes have the space to compete safely and fairly.
The championship is not just a showcase for wrestling talent; it’s also an economic boost for the city. Many athletes travel long distances, staying in hotels and supporting local restaurants, shops, and services over the three-day event.
Adam Scott boasts an exceptional program this year, with 50 athletes on the team and 19 qualifying for OFSAA, which is the most from any single school in the region. Along with the two wrestlers from Kenner and seven from Thomas A. Stewart, Peterborough will be well represented at the PMC.
For athletes, OFSAA represents more than competition; it’s a chance to follow in the footsteps of champions and Olympians. Past competitors include Michelle Fazzari, an Olympian who won OFSAA in 2005, and Tonya Verbeek, a three-time Olympic medalist, highlighting how the championship can be a launching pad for future stars. Fazzari, who passed at age 37 on August 30, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer, will be honoured at the event.
McCracken says the event is about celebrating the sport, the athletes, and the community. He hopes Peterborough fans turn out to witness high-level wrestling and show support for local competitors who may one day compete on national or international stages.
The championship schedule kicks off with weigh-ins on March 2, followed by competition from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on both March 3 and March 4. The finals begin at 1 p.m. on day two and will be broadcast live on YourTV through Cogeco. Former Olympians Evan and Jessie MacDonald will provide commentary for the finals, adding a unique perspective for viewers.
Advanced tickets can be purchased on the OFSAA website.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
