Thunder Bay – SPORTS – Lakehead wrestling head coach Francis Clayton joined with others in the wrestling community on Thursday afternoon to announce the commitment of Marco Palermo to the Thunderwolves wrestling program.
Palermo, a four-time OFSAA champion and student of St. Pat’s High in Thunder Bay, said his choice to stay at home and wrestle for Lakehead was an easy one.
“It feels awesome, to stay here in Thunder Bay with the coaches who have helped me get to this point,” said Palermo after signing of his letter of intent in the gymnasium at St. Pat’s. “Being a hometown guy, this is good for Thunder Bay wrestling.”
Palermo’s club coach of six years, Craig Hardy, was grateful and excited about Palermo’s decision.
“It’s great news that Marco chose Lakehead,” commented Hardy. “It’s my alma mater, and his coach Randy Budner’s as well. We’ve got a great support network here in the wrestling community of Thunder Bay. I have no doubt in my mind that Marco will be successful. There’s plenty more success ahead for Marco, and he’ll continue to make us proud.”
Palermo has won OFSAA in all four years he attended, at 44kg, twice at 47.5kg, and this year at 54kg. He has also travelled to Spain with the Federation Internationale Lutte Association (FILA) where he placed 3rd, and was the champion at the Canada Summer Games.
Coach Clayton believes that Marco represents a major stud in the house of Lakehead Wrestling around which the team can be built.
“It means a lot to the program. With this being my second run here as coach, this is the first legitimate guy we can build the team around,” said Clayton. “When you can get this type of athlete in your program, it means a lot. It’s not just his resume, it’s his work ethic and his approach to getting better. Marco’s worked his butt off for everything he’s achieved, from the weight room to his technique. It’s an exciting time for Lakehead Wrestling.”
