Down for Growth

This picture captures something truly special—our volunteer coaching staff deep in discussion after a Down to Wrestle practice. Leading the debrief is Team Captain Donovan, a powerhouse both on and off the mat. Not only is he a Silver U-Sports Champion and All-Academic Huskie, but he’s also a Biomedical Major who scored in the 98th percentile on the MCAT. And as if that weren’t impressive enough, he’s also the driving force behind developing our Down to Wrestle curriculum.

Coach Anas providing the coaching group some feedback on lessons learned.

But what makes this moment so meaningful is that these athletes aren’t just showing up and checking a box. They’re taking their own initiative, reviewing what went well, what could be improved, and how they can make the next practice even better. This isn’t about doing the bare minimum—it’s about leadership, learning, and a shared commitment to giving every athlete the best experience possible.

We truly believe this picture speaks a thousand words. It represents the dedication, passion, and heart that fuel Down to Wrestle every day. With volunteers like these, the future of our program—and the sport—looks incredibly bright. Go Huskies Go!

Daniel Olver

Dan Olver is the Head Coach of Huskie Wrestling at the University of Saskatchewan and a driving force behind Down to Wrestle. A former U Sports medalist and seasoned coach, Dan is passionate about growing the sport of wrestling through inclusion, mentorship, and athlete development at all levels.

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Down with Donovan

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Down with Safety