Cole Sanderson will soon have some international opponents to toss around .  (Wrestling Canada Lutte)

By Nigel Maxwell

Wrestling

Sanderson to represent Canada at Pan-Am championships

Apr 27, 2023 | 4:00 PM

A former St. Mary Marauder will be representing Canada’s wrestling team next month at the 2023 Senior Pan-American Championships, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Cole Sanderson, who currently attends the University of Saskatchewan and recently won silver at Nationals, was one of 23 athletes named by Wrestling Canada Lutte (WCL). Sanderson told paNOW making it on this team was very important to him.

“Being able to wear the Canadian flag on my chest is my dream, I am extremely happy to have this opportunity and I am proud to represent my country and reservation of Sturgeon Lake First Nation,” he said.

Cole Sanderson is pictured here with other wrestlers at the national championships. (Wrestling Canada Lutte)

The Pan-Am championships run May 3-6, and will mark Sanderson’s first time competing for Canada. He was asked if he has made any changes to his training or style.

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“There was a short turn around for transitioning my training solely to Greco-Roman, so me and my training partner have just been working on that,” Sanderson explained.

Prior to winning silver at Nationals, Sanderson won gold at February’s Can West Championship in Edmonton.

The 2023 team features many reigning and past national champions, along with numerous international medalists. In total, seven different provinces are represented with Ontario leading the way with eight representatives.

In a statement, Chris Woodcroft, WCL High Performance Director, noted the team includes a mix of athletes who are World and Pan-American medalists, as well as a few newcomers who will be experiencing their first international senior competition.

“This event will provide valuable lessons in our lead up to the Senior World Championships, in September in Belgrade, Serbia, as the 2023 Senior World Championships are our first Olympic qualifier on our road to Paris 2024.”

Accompanying the athletes is the team’s coaching and support staff led by Woodcroft. The coaches include: Dave McKay, Dave Collie, Dave Spinney, Owen Dawkins and Raj Virdi. The athletic therapist will be Jessica Pawlik. Canada will also have five officials at the event including: Ed Zinger, Marcia Chiasson, Demetra Koutsopodiotis-Gathier, Curtis Leung and Gary Bird.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell