Cole Sanderson proudly holds up his home's community's flag. (Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

Wrestling

Wrestler from Sturgeon Lake, locks up with the world’s best

May 9, 2023 | 3:00 PM

A man from Sturgeon Lake First Nation says waving his home community’s flag at the Pan-American Championship in Argentina, meant everything to him.

Cole Sanderson, 21, did not medal at his first Pan-Am appearance but instead returned home with a wealth of knowledge. He told paNOW the atmosphere at the tournament and level of serious competition, was very new to him.

“You know you are just trying to warm up and train and you don’t really know it but you are training beside world olympic champions,” he said.

Sanderson had two matches, and his first opponent from Guatemala, the top seeded wrestler at the tournament, went on to win bronze. Sanderson’s second American opponent won the gold.

“Regardless of how it went, stepping on the mat in thar environment will definitely help me in the future,” he said.

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Sanderson who fought in the 72 kg weight class for Greco-Roman, noted the style of wrestling is very different in other countries, adding Canada does not have many athletes who can compete in Greco-Roman at the higher events.

“Getting the opportunity was very big and I’m very grateful for that,” he said.

When asked what his biggest takeaway was from the tournament, Sanderson said it was less to do with technical or physicality, and more to do with his mental game and mindset so he can be better better prepared in the future.

Cole Sanderson acknowledged he was nervous stepping onto the mat at the Pan-Am games. (Facebook)

Sanderson, who is in his third year at the University of Saskatchewan, and wrestles for the Huskies, grew up at Sturgeon Lake First Nation. He said he is very thankful for all the support he’s received from his home community and takes great pride in being a role model for the youth.

“You know growing up in my sport, I didn’t really have somebody to look up to necessarily. I did have great mentors and coaches that helped me get to where I am but being able to be in this position and create some ground and footsteps for other indigenous youth pursuing their sport, I’m very proud of it,” he said.

Prior to competing in Argentina, Sanderson won silver at Nationals, and gold at the Can-West games in February.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell