WCL USPORTS Invitational Wrestling Championships Powered by Turnkey Spotlight Lakehead Athletes and Community Impact

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WCL USPORTS Invitational Wrestling Championships Powered by Turnkey Spotlight Lakehead Athletes and Community Impact

Thunder Bay, ON — The countdown is on as the WCL USPORTS Invitational Wrestling Championships, powered by Turnkey Communications, arrives February 27–28, 2026, at the Lakehead University CJ Sanders Fieldhouse.

Hosted by Lakehead Athletics in partnership with Wrestling Canada Lutte and U SPORTS, the national championship will bring together the country’s top university wrestling programs for two days of elite competition in Thunder Bay.

As excitement builds, organizers are reminding fans that weekend passes are just $25, offering affordable access to one of the most competitive and inspiring events on the Canadian university sport calendar.

Lakehead Athletes Ready to Compete

Lakehead will proudly be represented by a strong roster of student-athletes competing on home mats, led by Jordan Ferguson in his third season as Lakehead’s head coach.

Jakob Wildshut (61kg) – 1st year

Sarah Jones (50 kg) – 1st year

Carter Zuback (65 kg) – 1st year

Ella Pillot (56 kg) – 3rd year

Adam Lafroy (72 kg) – 3rd year (returning champion)

Grace Wilson (59 kg) – 2nd year

Chase Birch (82 kg) – Graduating athlete

Payton O’Hare (62 kg) – 2nd year

Dayne Gohl (100 kg) – 2nd year

Ayla Thurston (65 kg) – 2nd year

Myla Lawson (72 kg)– 3rd year

Haley Florell (76 kg) – 2nd year (returning champion)

With multiple first-year athletes gaining national championship experience and two returning champions defending their titles, the Thunderwolves are poised to deliver high-energy performances in front of a home crowd.

Championship Week: More Than Competition

Beyond the action on the mats, championship week will highlight the powerful connection between sport and community.
“There’s so much great community work happening around USPORTS this week, and one of the parts we’re most excited about is partnering with the Achievement Program for our Indigenous Celebration Night and four outreach events that will connect with over 400 youth,” said a member of the organizing committee. “It’s been amazing to see how much Thunder Bay spirit is infused into the entire tournament week — this is about more than competition, it’s about community.”

The Indigenous Celebration Night, held just before the gold medal matches on Saturday, and youth outreach initiatives will bring students to Lakehead University to celebrate culture and the sport of wrestling.

Event Details
Event: WCL USPORTS Invitational Championships powered by Turnkey
Dates: February 27–28, 2026
Location: Lakehead University CJ Sanders Fieldhouse, Thunder Bay, Ontario
Weekend Passes: $25

Fans are encouraged to secure their weekend passes and be part of a national championship weekend that celebrates high-performance sport, community pride, and the future of Canadian wrestling.

For more information or event updates, please contact the organizing committee or visit the official event website.