THUNDER BAY – Long-time Lakehead University wrestling coach Francis Clayton is calling it a career.
Clayton, a national champion wrestler during his competitive career, has been at the helm of the Thunderwolves program since 2014 – following a 20-year stint from 1985 to 2005 – and was called an institution by LU athletic director Tom Warden.
“His name is synonymous with coaching development but more importantly respect and fairness. And this is his reputation, not just at Lakehead University, but nationally and internationally in the sport of wrestling,” Warden said in a release.
Clayton has been synonymous with Lakehead wrestling since the programs earliest days.
He wrestled in a tournament hosted by the Lakehead Physical Education Association in 1975 and coached his final practice in 2022.
That’s a long time to be associated with one program, he said, adding he wouldn’t change a thing as he looked back over his storied career.
“I’ve enjoyed my time with the wrestlers and staff that I have been so very fortunate to coach and work with,” Clayton said.
Clayton won a CIAU men’s title in 1981 and took over the program four years later.
He’s proud of what he’s accomplished with the team over the years,
“It has had its ups and downs, mostly ups – like winning the OUA’s first women’s championship, with over 85 OUA All-Stars, 30-plus USports all-stars, and over 20 wrestlers that have represented Canada at a world, Pan-American, international or Commonwealth championship at the senior, university or junior levels.”
His peers took notice over the years.
Clayton was four times named the OUA men’s coach of the year, winning once on the women’s side. He was named the national women’s coach of the year in 1994-95 and in 2001-02 and was inducted into the Northwestern Sports Hall of Fame in the builder’s category in 2001.
The veteran coach also earned the Ontario Amateur Wrestling Association’s Harry Pearce Award, given to the person who has worked diligently to advance the management and organization of the OAWA.
He was also honoured as one of LU’s 40 Northern Lights during the school’s 40th anniversary year and was elected into the Lakehead athletics wall of fame as a builder and coach.
Clayton, who took over from Brock Curtis eight years ago, says he plans to maintain a connection to the program, which will soon begin the search for his replacement.
