Hall of Fame
The Drury Wrestling Hall of Fame was established to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the success and development of Drury Wrestling. Hall of Fame members are recognized for their achievements, dedication and / or leadership contributions.
Torben Jensen 1985 – 1988
- Torben Jensen didn't start his career until grade 11, but in three and a half seasons he amassed 128 career wins and he was a two time Halton Champ. He was an outstanding technician and outstanding teacher to younger wrestlers. His work ethic and dedication made him the first in a long line of outstanding captains. He was a three time MVP and went on to compete at the collegiate level for Lakehead University.
Thomas Jensen 1985 – 1989
- Thomas Jensen was Drury’s first bonified star and one of the major reasons for the rapid growth for Drury wrestling. In his rookie year he became Drury's first Halton Champ, first OAWA Champ, and first National Champion. He is one of only two Spartans to be a 5 time Halton Champ, the only Spartan to win a Peel-Halton Championship (twice), a two time National Cadet Champion and 3 time OAWA Champ. He had three top five finishes at OFSAA including a bronze, was twice Athlete- of- the Year at Drury and three times named the teams outstanding wrestler. He had three 50 wins seasons, holds the record for pins (45) and won 230 career matches.
Bill Cooley 1986 – 1987
- Bill Cooley was another late comer to the sport who made as much of a mark after his career at Drury as he did during it. He won the Most Improved Wrestler Award in 1986 and was a Halton Champ in 1987. After Drury he was one of the first to pursue wrestling beyond the high school level and he continued to compete and train at the University of Guelph for many years. A regular visitor at tournaments and practices for many years, his love for the sport and his continued interest and dedication to the team earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame.
Tom Woodward 1985 – 1989
- Tom Woodward is one of the most colourful wrestlers in Drury's history. Known for his speed, technique and toughness, he compiled 143 victories in his career and he was a 3 time GHAC Champ. He was named the teams Outstanding Wrestler in 1987 and Most Dedicated Wrestler in 1988. His 33 pins in a season is the teams third highest. In his final season he enjoyed his greatest success going 41 - 2 and placing fourth at OFSAA.
Dave Wilson 1981 – 1991
- Dave Wilson became captain in Drury’s first rebuilding phase, helping ECD to continue their climb up the wrestling ladder. Despite losing a year to injury, he was a three time member of the Wrestling Honour Roll, a 3 time Halton Champ and he had 125 career victories. In his rookie year he was named Novice-of- the-Year and in his graduating he was Drury's Senior Athlete-of-the-Year. He has maintained his association with the team and although now living in Winnipeg he regularly keeps in contact with the team through his contributions on the message board.
Brent Pickett 1989 – 1993
- Brent Pickett was one of the most dedicated Druy Wrestlers ever. His spirit and overall contributions to the team are responsible for many of the traditions that exist to this day. Brent was one of the driving forces in establishing the annual year-end videos and highly regarded year-end banquet. He was a 5 time member of the Honour Roll, the team MVP in 1990 and was a 2 time Halton Champ. He competed at OFSAA three times and ended his career with 131 victories.
John Stevenson 1989 – 1993
- John Stevenson was part of the outstanding "Rat Pack" of the early 90's. He was a 4 time Halton Champ with 151 career victories. He was also a GHAC Champ and an Ontario Bantam Champ. He was a committed and hardworking individual , seldom missing a practice or a competition. His dedication made him a five time member of the team Honour Roll.
Lee Black 1989 – 1994
- Lee Black was one of the most respected wrestlers ever to compete for Drury. Lee , in a 6 year career won 144 matches . He was a 4 time Halton Champ , 2 time GHAC Champ, winner of the Most Improved and Most Sportsmanlike Awards and 5 times member of the Honour Roll. Although soft spoken he led by example and served as team captain in 1992 - 93.
Colin Widdis 1989 – 1994
- Colin Widdis was a convert from basketball who almost quit during a frustrating rookie year. Before he was done though, Colin went on to become Drury's first OFSAA Champion. In 6 years, he was on the Honour Roll 5 times , was a 5 time Halton Champ, 4 time GHAC Champ and winner of the Outstanding and Most Dedicated Wrestler Awards. His 42- 1 in 1994 remains the best in Drury History. He continues to serve as a guest instructor with the team.
Chris Spence 1989 – 1993
- Chris Spence was a member of one of the most decorated graduating groups ever. Spence was a 2 time winner of the Wrestler-of-the-Year Award and a 2 time OFSAA medallist. He was also Drury’s first ever gold medal finalist at OFSAA. He was a 4 time Halton Champ, 2 time GHAC Champ, an OAWA Cadet Champ and 5th in the National Cadets. A 4 time Honour Roll member, Spence had a career total of 207 victories.
Simon Vanellis 1990 – 1993
- Simon Vanellis was a journeyman wrestler during his high school career yet he became one of the prominent team builders in the 90’s. After high school he became a top ranked official and was instrumental in getting many Spartans involved as referees. He also played a major role in the rebuilding of the University of Guelph wrestling program and helped strengthen the bond between Guelph and Drury . He became an Assistant Coach at Drury in 1994 and in 2002 he became the first graduate to return as a full time teacher-coach. In 1992 he was named Drury’s Most Improved Wrestler and he was a 2 time member of the Honour Roll.
Chris Price 1991 - 1996
- Chris Price put together one of the best careers in Drury history. Over 6 years he won 257 matches , 4 Haltons, 2 GHAC’s and 2 OAWA titles. He was a two time National Bronze medallist and twice made the top 6 at OFSAA . He was on the Honour Roll in all 6 seasons, making him the only 6 time Honour Roll member and he won over 30 matches each year . He was the Rookie of the Year in 1991 and holds the record for career victories.
George Vanellis 1991 – 1995
- George Vanellis was another h4 captain who helped keep the team together during another rebuilding period. He was a 3 time member of the Honour Roll, a Halton Champ and a GHAC Champion. He compiled 117 victories in his career. He will be remembered most for his match winning over – under throws. After his career at Drury he has continued to be a h4 supporter of both the Drury wrestling program and the U. of Guelph wrestling team.
Chris Denich 1993 - 1997
- Chris Denich had one of the finest career’s in Drury history. One of the hardest working wrestlers in team history he made the honour roll 5 times. He ended his career with 233 wins, second on the all-time list and the most over a 5 year career. His 59 wins and 10 golds in 1997 were the most ever by a senior wrestler. He had four 40 win seasons, was a 3 time Halton and GHAC Champ , placed top 5 at OFSAA 3 times and won an OFSAA bronze. He won 2 OAWA provincial golds and 2 National medals. In 1994, he won a Canadian Cadet title and became Drury’s 1st and only wrestler to compete at the World Cadets, placing 6th overall. He went on to enjoy a fine career at the University of Guelph.
Justin Billingham 1994 – 1998
- Justin was among the most dedicated wrestlers in Drury history. He was a very hard worker earning the Honour Roll 4 times. He won numerous medals and 158 matches over his career. In 1997, he captured an Ontario Juvenile Title becoming the first Spartan to win at that level. His finest season was in 1997-98 when he was the Halton and GHAC Champion and a Bronze medallist at OFSAA. He capped off the year with the Nicholls- Walliston Award for Dedication and Leadership at Drury’s Athletic Banquet. Following his high school career he remained involved as a part time assistant coach.
Kevin Heffron 1996 - 2000
- Kevin Heffron ranks among Drury’s best wrestlers ever. He ended his career in 4th place for career wins with 218. He was a 4 time Halton Champ, 3 time GHAC Champ, 2 time OFSAA silver medallist and 2 time National Champion. He was a founding member of the Dynamo Wrestling Club and one of the leading forces in our rise to OFSAA supremacy. Kevin was a 4 time member of the Honour Roll and as of 2004, held the Drury record for career medals ( 59 ) and medals in a season ( 14 ).
John McCart 1996 - 2000
- John McCart had already made a name for himself as a Junior Dynamo wrestler before reaching Drury. A 2 time Canada-East Champ, John added 2 National Cadet titles and 2 National Juvenile titles to his resume during his high school years. He was a 4time Halton and GHAC champ and 3 time OFSAA finalist. His bronze medal in 2000 helped ECD to the 1st OFSAA title. A four time member of the honour roll, John ended his career with 160 wins , the team record for career gold medals ( 41 ) and gold medals in a season ( 11 ).
Chad Merritt 1996 - 2000
- Chad Merritt started his Drury Wrestling career as a 5 year old team mascot when his father served as assistant coach. His 1st win came in an exhibition match at an old- timers tournament when he was 6 . Over a decade later, he won an OFSAA gold medal to clinch Drury’s first OFSAA Team Title. In between, he put together 215 career victories, won 2 Halton Titles , 2 OFSAA medals and an Ontario Cadet gold medal. He placed top 5 in Canada twice , was the first Dynamo provincial champ and set a record of 61 wins in a season in 1997. Chad is one of a select group making the honour roll in 5 consecutive seasons.
Jeff Roberge 1999 - 2002
- Inducted in the builders category, Jeff Roberge took an idea started by Scott McLaughlin and revived by Tom Gallinger and took it to unprecedented new heights. Jeff’s tireless efforts have made the Drury Wrestling web-page one of the best in the country. The web-page not only serves to showcase the Drury program across the wrestling world but also to bring together alumni and solidify an already h4 fraternity. Always improving and expanding the web-page, Jeff has made files and files of stats and history available for all to see. His work will keep the legend and tradition of Drury Wrestling alive for years to come.
Sean Burnham 1997 - 2001
- Often overlooked on a team with many team stars, Sean Burnham was a tireless worker who worked his way up the ranks to become one of Ontario’s top wrestlers. He first showed promise in 1998 as a Junior Halton Champion but it was not until 2000 that he joined the elite with a surprise 6th place finish at OFSAA. His outstanding performance that year played a major role in the teams 1st ever OFSAA team title. His showing also inspired his teammates to chase their dreams which led to a 2nd OFSAA title in 2001 where Sean earned an OFSAA silver. He is a 3 time member of the Honour Roll.
Chris Holmes 1997 - 2001
- Joining wrestling as an 84 pound rookie who lost over 20 matches, Chris Holmes was determined to become the best that he could be. The 4 time member of the Honour Roll showed as much improvement over his career as anyone in Drury history. Things started to fall into place in Grade 11 when he was named the Most Improved and Junior Wrestler-of-the-Year. In Grade 12 he was named the Most Dedicated Wrestler and earned a silver medal at the National Juvenile Championships. He reached the pinnacle in 2001 though repeating as Most Dedicated Wrestler, winning the Iron Man Award, Senior Wrestler-of-the-Year, Athlete-of-the-Year and capping off his career as an OFSAA Champion. Chris ended his career with 144 career victories.
Rory McDonell 1997 - 2001
- One of the most dedicated wrestlers in team history, Rory McDonell was a 5X member of the Honour Roll who earned 164 career victories including 45 wins in an outstanding 1998-99 season. Rory was the Most Improved Wrestler in 1998, Most Dedicated Wrestler in 1999 and Iron Man winner in 2001. He was also a winner of the ECD Al Nichols Award. He was a 2X GHAC Champion, a 6th place finisher at the 1998 National Cadets and placed 4th at OFSAA in the 2001 championship season. Known for his toughness on the mat and comical nature off the mat, Rory went on to enjoy a solid varsity career at the University of Guelph followed by a pro career in mixed martial arts.
Andy Wadeson 1997 - 2001
- Andy Wadeson, a product of the Junior Dynamo program, was the spiritual leader of the outstanding class of 2001. A 5 time member of the Wrestling Honour Roll, Andy started as a 90 pound rookie and went on to win 145 career matches. He was a 2X Halton Champ and an Ontario Cadet Champ. He placed 6th in the National Cadets in 1998, was 5th at OFSAA in 1997 and 4th at OFSAA in 1998 and 2001. A member of two OFSAA Championship teams, Andy was the team’s Rookie-of-the-Year in 1997, Drury Junior Athlete-of-the Year in 1998 and top Junior Wrestler in 1998, the first winner of the Iron Man Award in 2000 and the Drury SAS Award winner in 2001.
- Jeff