CARLYLE — Just over a year ago, Wendy Marcotte opened her wrestling studio in Carlyle within her home, and it has continued to thrive ever since.
She converted her garage into a wrestling studio, starting with kids from her daycare before opening it to the public and welcoming all interested young athletes.
Marcotte has been involved in wrestling since high school and has become deeply passionate about the sport, now with 16 years of experience.
Recently, she became the Sask Wrestling grassroots technical coordinator and is excited to unite northern and southern communities while expanding wrestling’s reach.
This position gives Marcotte the opportunity to grow the sport, and she hopes to get more elementary-age kids involved.
Marcotte brings extensive experience, having coached at her former high school in Prince Albert and managed the Prince Albert Wrestling Club before moving to Carlyle in 2017.
She was coaching with a partner in Manor, but COVID-19 shut everything down. Once restrictions eased, she started her studio in Carlyle.
In 2023, Marcotte was asked to coach Team Southeast Saskatchewan at the Winter Games in Regina, adding to her growing list of accomplishments.
Four new wrestling clubs formed in Saskatchewan last year, increasing membership, but Marcotte hopes to surpass pre-pandemic participation levels.
She believes wrestling helps young people develop patience, kindness, and teamwork.
Although she is the new director, Marcotte remains hands-on with her students, ensuring they understand the sport, value sportsmanship, and, most importantly, have fun.
Marcotte also promotes the Canadian Wrestling Elite (CWE) by distributing posters, organizing 50/50 draws, and working at events. Half of the 50/50 proceeds went toward new school funds in Carlyle.
Recently, an opportunity arose for Marcotte to take a group of 20 wrestlers, four coaches, and nine adult chaperones to Cuba for a wrestling event.
The trip was meant to give wrestlers insight into different training styles, provide hands-on experience, and expose them to other wrestling environments.
The group was set to depart during the winter break, but the night before their departure, half of them received messages that their flights had been cancelled.
The following morning at 6 a.m., the rest of the group also received cancellation notices. Their itinerary had included a connection through Toronto Pearson Airport before heading to Cuba.
They waited at the airport for several hours in hopes of rebooking, but no alternative flights were available.
Marcotte said no reason was given for the cancellations, though it happened around the time of the Delta flight crash in Toronto.
She hopes to reschedule the Cuba trip for Easter break.
In the meantime, Marcotte continues training her students for upcoming tournaments and the Summer Olympics in Newfoundland and Labrador this July.
Team trials for the Canada Summer Games will be held May 10-11. Anyone interested in joining wrestling can contact Marcotte, and she will be happy to help.
