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T Bay’s Emma Harja the Latest Wrestling Recruit
Wrestling coach Francis Clayton has added another name to the list of recruits in 2016, the latest being Emma Harja, of Thunder Bay and Superior CVI.
(Below: Sophomore Dana Campbell welcomes Emma Harja to the Thunderwolves)
“Francis was a huge help in making my decision to come to Lakehead,” explains Harja. “On top of Lakehead being close to home and family, Fran was always pushing for me to come to Lakehead.”
Harja continues, “To receive an offer to be on his team is a phenomenal opportunity.”
Harja plans on studying Political Science with intentions towards Law School for graduate studies.
“There was a turning point for my wrestling career when [Lakehead wrestling alum] Tyler Menei starting coaching me,” Emma recounted in a recent interview. “He was very intense, he kept on pushing me to be better everyday. It had a profound impact on my practice and development as a wrestler. I don’t think I would be able to make the Lakehead team if he wasn’t around, so, thanks Tyler,” Emma says with grateful smile.
Another Lakehead wrestling alum, Scott Christian, coached Harja to her most memorable win on the mat, the NWOSSA title that she achieved in grade 11.
Francis Clayton adds, “She’s hard-working, she’s in the middle of the weight classes, which is good, it gives us some depth in that 60kg range. She’s got a strong body, she can mix it up, is coachable and eager to learn. She’s only wrestled a few years, but her body hasn’t gone through a lot of punishment, so she’s got a lot left to give.”
Profile: Emma Harja
High School: Superior CVI Gryphons
Weight: 64kg
Faculty: Political Science (pre-law)
Club: Lakehead Wrestling Club
Club/HS coaches: Francis Clayton, Tyler Menei and Scott Christian
Notable results
3-time NWOSSA champion
City Champion in ‘16 (64kg)
Placed 7th at OFSSAA in ‘15