On March 5 to 6, Lindsay Collegiate and Vocational Institute (LCVI) student, Chayton Valleau, travelled to Hamilton, Ontario to compete at the Ontario Federation of Secondary Athletics Association (OFSAA) 2024 Wrestling Championships.
Over the two days, Valleau competed against some of the best student athletes from schools across the province. Competing in five matches, his hard work put in throughout the year paid off when he came out on top in the semi-final match against Mathieu Noob, with a 11-0 win. Advancing to the championships, Valleau went up against Luke Redmond-Jaworsk on the final day and won, 10-0.
"Winning this title meant everything to me; being able to make my family and coaches proud was a moment I will cherish forever," said Valleau. "This win is dedicated to my father, I would not be the person or athlete I am today without him."
Valleau has trained with Big Country Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) for 10 years. During his Grade 9, 12, and victory lap year of high school, he wrestled with the LCVI Wrestling Team, coached by his father, Shawn Valleau. Valleau made a promise to his father during his first year of wrestling that "he will win OFSAA." Now that he has, his eyes are now set on a national wrestling championship.
"Chayton crushed it this season! His sheer determination and hard-work is what earned him the OFSAA gold and I was so happy to be witness to his, and his father's, dreams both coming true," said LCVI vice-principal, Jackie Schryer-Zak. "Chayton is a well-rounded student who has found the perfect balance between academic excellence and sport over the years; you'll never find him without a big smile on his face. I can't wait to see what his future holds, whether it be in professional wrestling, boxing, mixed martial arts, or possibly in becoming a teacher and future wrestling coach here of course, at LCVI. Let's go!"
Valleau is going off to Western University to complete a degree in Kinesiology, and to wrestle with the Western Wrestling Team - good luck!
