Wayne Dowswell

Wayne Dowswell, who is being inducted as a builder, helped build strong, winning traditions in both wrestling and weight lifting in Orillia.

While a phys-ed teacher, he led Park Street Collegiate Institute to 19 consecutive city wrestling championships.

He started a weight-lifting club at the school before the board shut it down. He moved the club to the YMCA and then built the ‘Muscle Barn’ on his farm which is still going strong at another venue.

His wrestlers and weight-lifters shone on local, provincial and national stages and his influence continues to be felt as many of his former athletes have taken up the mantle and now coach young wrestlers.