Thunderwolves Athletics Excited to Announce New Wrestling Coach

April 26, 2023 – Thunder Bay, Ont. – Lakehead University Thunderwolves
For Immediate Release

Today the Lakehead Thunderwolves announced the addition of Jordan Ferguson as the new coach of the men’s and women’s varsity wrestling program. He will take over as coach on June 1, 2023.

This marks the start of a new era for Lakehead University Wrestling as the team seeks to return to form as provincial and national threats.

Ferguson will raise the competitive level of the team. He has been heavily involved with wrestling programs in Calgary and Manitoba, with a range of experience from coaching youth as well as Olympians.

He also has experience as a wrestling coach at the University of Winnipeg and as coach and co-founder of the Keystone Wrestling Club.

Ferguson brings some unique skill sets to the role. His focus on all aspects of being an athlete – having previously been a support worker and youth-care worker with extensive training in performance psychology – will definitely be an asset to the team and the department.

These experiences have become vital to Ferguson’s coaching style. He will aim to guide the team through the various ups and downs that come with being a student athlete.

Ferguson said he’s hoping to implement some new ideas and new ways of doing things. “I’ve worked with every level of athlete, from Olympians to high schoolers. I’m excited to use my expertise to improve the historic Lakehead wrestling program and to strive to achieve an even higher standard” he said.

Tom Warden, Director of Athletics at Lakehead University, said he was extremely pleased to announce Ferguson as the head coach of the men’s and women’s varsity wrestling team.

“Jordan’s expertise as a coach as well as his approach to student athlete safety and well-being, make him an excellent fit,” Warden said.

“Stepping into an already established and historically strong wrestling program that has been led by Francis Clayton and supported by our extensive alumni will be of benefit. I know that Jordan will continue to create strong partnerships with our alumni and community groups as Lakehead Wrestling has in the past.”

Ferguson also brings extensive experience working with grassroots development programs to help encourage participation in wrestling. In particular, he has had extensive experience delivering programs to Indigenous communities in Northern Manitoba.

Warden said Ferguson’s experience delivering sport programs to northern Indigenous communities is extremely impressive.

“We welcome that skill set to our department. His acumen in this area will fit in very well with some of our existing initiatives such as the Achievement Program, ActiveU and ReachUp,” Warden added.

A special thank you to Brody Evans, Interim Head Coach for his hard work and dedication to the program and department during the search.