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"YOU GET WHAT YOU PUT IN": McMaster's Wrestling Coach Changing the Culture
We're trying to build elite student athletes, but at the same time we're also trying to develop people of good character, people who are going to go on to be good people and make a difference in the world. - Ahmed Shamiya
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Retired Hamilton Wrestling Club members honoured at McMaster University Hall of Fame Induction
Story by: Nicole Roach
The Hall of Fame inductions at McMaster University are the highest form of recognition an alumni can achieve after graduation. The induction standards for teams include:
- must have competed with distinction at the highest level of competition available to the team (OUA/CIS)
- may include national or international competition
- normally a five year waiting period before nomination
- selected by Hall of Fame Committee
The criteria for an individuals induction is even more extensive:
- must be an 'M' letter holder ( minimum of 2 years varsity participation )
- must be a graduate of McMaster University
- must have graduated at least 10 years prior to nomination for consideration for induction*.
- must have significant provincial (OUA - If highest standard of athletic participation), or
national championship (CIS) credentials on athletic resume to be even considered for nomination.
- may be awarded posthumously
- selected by Hall of Fame Selection Committee
McMaster wrestling has been a national dynasty for years; with countless CIS medals, national titles, and international competitors. The success of our wrestling program was made evident at the 2015 Hall of Fame Inductee Banquet as the 84-85 men's team as well as Pam Wilson were inducted.
Pam Wilson:
"over her four-year varsity wrestling career, Pam Wilson dominated the competition in every weight class she entered. She wore the maroon singlet from 2000 to 2004 and captured the OUA Gold Medal in every one of those seasons. At the national level, Wilson was a three-time CIS champion, winning gold in 2001, 2003, and 2004. She was twice named as the recipient of the Quigley Award as McMaster's Female Athlete of the Year in 2003 and 2004. Wilson also captured Gold Medals at the World University Games, the Pan American Championships, and the Commonwealth Championships"
The McMaster wrestling community is thrilled to recognize Pamela's accomplishments over her career at McMaster and beyond.
Men's Wrestling '84-85:
"As the host of the 1985 CIAU Wrestling Championships, the McMaster Marauders knew they would be in the friendly confines of the Burridge Gym as they grappled for the National Title. Led by OUA Coach of the Year Nick Cipriano, the Marauders were a strong team with four members: Paul Bellavia, Lawrence Holmes, Chris Woodcroft and Paul Clatney, being future Hall of Fame inductees. That season the team ended the five-year strangehold Guelph had on the OUA championship, by winning McMaster's first provincial crown. Then in front of the home fans, Marauder wrestlers captures three gold, one silver and two bronze medals to tie with Concordia for the National Championship, the first ever for McMaster in wrestling. Coach Cipriano was further honoured as CIAU Coach of the Year. Woodcroft and Holmes would go on to represent Canada at the Olympic games."
- must have competed with distinction at the highest level of competition available to the team (OUA/CIS)
- may include national or international competition
- normally a five year waiting period before nomination
- selected by Hall of Fame Committee
The criteria for an individuals induction is even more extensive:
- must be an 'M' letter holder ( minimum of 2 years varsity participation )
- must be a graduate of McMaster University
- must have graduated at least 10 years prior to nomination for consideration for induction*.
- must have significant provincial (OUA - If highest standard of athletic participation), or
national championship (CIS) credentials on athletic resume to be even considered for nomination.
- may be awarded posthumously
- selected by Hall of Fame Selection Committee
McMaster wrestling has been a national dynasty for years; with countless CIS medals, national titles, and international competitors. The success of our wrestling program was made evident at the 2015 Hall of Fame Inductee Banquet as the 84-85 men's team as well as Pam Wilson were inducted.
Pam Wilson:
"over her four-year varsity wrestling career, Pam Wilson dominated the competition in every weight class she entered. She wore the maroon singlet from 2000 to 2004 and captured the OUA Gold Medal in every one of those seasons. At the national level, Wilson was a three-time CIS champion, winning gold in 2001, 2003, and 2004. She was twice named as the recipient of the Quigley Award as McMaster's Female Athlete of the Year in 2003 and 2004. Wilson also captured Gold Medals at the World University Games, the Pan American Championships, and the Commonwealth Championships"
The McMaster wrestling community is thrilled to recognize Pamela's accomplishments over her career at McMaster and beyond.
Men's Wrestling '84-85:
"As the host of the 1985 CIAU Wrestling Championships, the McMaster Marauders knew they would be in the friendly confines of the Burridge Gym as they grappled for the National Title. Led by OUA Coach of the Year Nick Cipriano, the Marauders were a strong team with four members: Paul Bellavia, Lawrence Holmes, Chris Woodcroft and Paul Clatney, being future Hall of Fame inductees. That season the team ended the five-year strangehold Guelph had on the OUA championship, by winning McMaster's first provincial crown. Then in front of the home fans, Marauder wrestlers captures three gold, one silver and two bronze medals to tie with Concordia for the National Championship, the first ever for McMaster in wrestling. Coach Cipriano was further honoured as CIAU Coach of the Year. Woodcroft and Holmes would go on to represent Canada at the Olympic games."
1985 CIAU National Championship Team
Photo by: Nicole Roach
Ahmed Shamiya and Omar Ahmed have stellar Summer
Story by: Nicole Roach
Ahmed Shamiya at the 2015 CIS Championships
There were many strong performances at the 2014/2015 National Championships held at Brock University in the Spring. This includes Ahmed Shamiya's second place finish in the Senior Men's 70kg weight class, rookie Omar Ahmed capturing Gold in the Junior Men's 66kg weight class, and Joban Phulka pulling out a Bronze medal in the Junior Men's 84kg class.
These first and second place finished birthed Shamiya and Ahmed an exciting summer of international competition, including a Silver Medal performance at Senior Pan Ams in Santiago, Chile and an 8th place finish at the Junior World Championships in Rio, Brazil.
The boys were gracious enough to answer a few questions about their experiences.
Ahmed Shamiya:
The tournament was held in Santiago, Chile nearing the end of April. Shamiya felt that he was much more mentally prepared going into this competition, thanks to his previous international competitions. He reflected that his past international experiences were intimidating, as he felt he added hype to the tournaments unnecessarily. Going into the Pan Ams, Shamiya changed his mind set and was able to relax, treating it like any other tournament. Even before he arrived he was faced with setbacks, as Santiago experienced a volcanic eruption which caused too much ash in the skies that would not allow planes to fly. Shamiya's flight was delayed for 12 hours and was nearing cancellation. When he arrived to Santiago, he did not have a comfortable amount of time to cut weight but he got the job done despite his circumstances. He also experienced mat changes during the tournament which caused him to go without a warm up for a key match.
From this experience, Ahmed learned he had to expect the unexpected and be prepared for any elements that may negatively impact his wrestling performance. Despite all the challenging circumstances, Shamiya pulled out an impressive Silver medal finish at the Senior Pan American Championships competing in his first year as a senior athlete.
For videos of his performance follow these links:
Round 1 VS Brazil
Round 4 VS Columbia
Omar's Experience:
Another successful performance at Junior Nationals (held at Brock University), another international experience for the Burlington native. Omar Ahmed, in his first year at McMaster University, the first year Junior wrestler captured his 3rd consecutive National Championship Title.
This allowed Omar to compete in the Junior World Championships, held in Salvador, Brazil; this being his third experience competing on the world stage. He affirms that there is a striking difference between international competitions, in comparison to his typical university tournaments. His past experience helped him to ignore the international hype, and was able to prepare him for the unexpected aspects of travelling, food, and overall culture shock. The wrestler viewed the tournament as no different from his previous experiences, but felt the jump from cadet to junior to be a significant difference in the calibre of athletes, "it was the toughest tournament I have competed in." says Omar, who placed 8th overall, losing to the eventual silver medallist Japan in the first round. This experience has not hampered Omar's dreams to one day be a World and Olympic Champion, "I believe if I train hard and listen to my coaches I will achieve my goals."
Repechage vs Columbia
These first and second place finished birthed Shamiya and Ahmed an exciting summer of international competition, including a Silver Medal performance at Senior Pan Ams in Santiago, Chile and an 8th place finish at the Junior World Championships in Rio, Brazil.
The boys were gracious enough to answer a few questions about their experiences.
Ahmed Shamiya:
The tournament was held in Santiago, Chile nearing the end of April. Shamiya felt that he was much more mentally prepared going into this competition, thanks to his previous international competitions. He reflected that his past international experiences were intimidating, as he felt he added hype to the tournaments unnecessarily. Going into the Pan Ams, Shamiya changed his mind set and was able to relax, treating it like any other tournament. Even before he arrived he was faced with setbacks, as Santiago experienced a volcanic eruption which caused too much ash in the skies that would not allow planes to fly. Shamiya's flight was delayed for 12 hours and was nearing cancellation. When he arrived to Santiago, he did not have a comfortable amount of time to cut weight but he got the job done despite his circumstances. He also experienced mat changes during the tournament which caused him to go without a warm up for a key match.
From this experience, Ahmed learned he had to expect the unexpected and be prepared for any elements that may negatively impact his wrestling performance. Despite all the challenging circumstances, Shamiya pulled out an impressive Silver medal finish at the Senior Pan American Championships competing in his first year as a senior athlete.
For videos of his performance follow these links:
Round 1 VS Brazil
Round 4 VS Columbia
Omar's Experience:
Another successful performance at Junior Nationals (held at Brock University), another international experience for the Burlington native. Omar Ahmed, in his first year at McMaster University, the first year Junior wrestler captured his 3rd consecutive National Championship Title.
This allowed Omar to compete in the Junior World Championships, held in Salvador, Brazil; this being his third experience competing on the world stage. He affirms that there is a striking difference between international competitions, in comparison to his typical university tournaments. His past experience helped him to ignore the international hype, and was able to prepare him for the unexpected aspects of travelling, food, and overall culture shock. The wrestler viewed the tournament as no different from his previous experiences, but felt the jump from cadet to junior to be a significant difference in the calibre of athletes, "it was the toughest tournament I have competed in." says Omar, who placed 8th overall, losing to the eventual silver medallist Japan in the first round. This experience has not hampered Omar's dreams to one day be a World and Olympic Champion, "I believe if I train hard and listen to my coaches I will achieve my goals."
Repechage vs Columbia
Hamilton Wrestling Club Mourns the Loss of Greg Woodcroft
Story by: Nicole Roach
On August 17th, 2015 the wrestling community was shocked by the sudden passing of Gregory Paul Woodcroft, a former McMaster Wrestling alumni. Greg was an extremely accomplished wrestler, as he represented Canada at the 1996 Olympics and has don McMaster maroon on countless national podiums. After his 1993 graduation, he was inducted into the McMaster Athlete's Hall of Fame in the 2006 induction class. Mcmaster athletics remembered him as:
"A competitive athlete and dedicated captain of the McMaster wrestling team, Greg exemplified what it means to be a McMaster Marauder. Over his career, Greg captured 3 CIAU Championship Gold Medals and was a four-time OUA champion in the 52 and 57 kg weight class. Greg continued his wrestling career long after his days at McMaster as a member of the Canadian National Team and '96 Canadian Olympic Team."
Since his wrestling days, he turned to the education system where he has been a greatly valued teacher, vice principal and principal for 21 years. Greg has touched many lives through his wrestling and professional career and will be greatly missed. He leaves behind his loving wife, "Bobbi" Roberta Joanne (Newson), as well as his too beloved children Jessica Joanne and Joseph Ross.
For further information on this Greg Woodcroft's sudden death, please refer to these articles:
Wrestling Canada
Pauline Johnson Collegiate holds memorial for former principal
McMaster Athletics Hall of Fame
Wrestling Footage
Nick Cipriano Celebrated after Announcement of his Retirement from Coaching
Cipriano's years of mentorship and extraordinary coaching was honoured with a video tribute at the 2015 McMaster Athletic Banquet, which showcases the coaching philosophies that have lead his countless teams to National titles.
The video can be seen at Marauders.ca
The video can be seen at Marauders.ca
Hamilton Wrestling Club Congratulates Chris Garneau on being named McMaster University's Male Athletes of the Year
Story by: Nicole Roach
Chris Garneau with past McMaster University wrestling Athletes of the year
This years award banquet also featured huge recognition for Hamilton's Christopher Garneau being awarded the prestigious Ivor Wynne Award, which is also recognized as Male Athlete of the Year.
"A leading member of McMaster’s men’s wrestling team, Chris Garneau had a season for the ages in 2014-15. The fourth-year competitor compiled a 24-1 record while winning five titles in the 68kg weight class, contributing a gold medal to McMaster’s historic team gold at the OUA Championships — the team’s first title since 1993. He followed with one of the Marauders two gold medals at the CIS Championship in Edmonton, helping McMaster to team silver on the national stage. The CIS gold brought to an end a dominant year for Garneau in one of the sport’s most competitive weight classes."
"A leading member of McMaster’s men’s wrestling team, Chris Garneau had a season for the ages in 2014-15. The fourth-year competitor compiled a 24-1 record while winning five titles in the 68kg weight class, contributing a gold medal to McMaster’s historic team gold at the OUA Championships — the team’s first title since 1993. He followed with one of the Marauders two gold medals at the CIS Championship in Edmonton, helping McMaster to team silver on the national stage. The CIS gold brought to an end a dominant year for Garneau in one of the sport’s most competitive weight classes."