When Brady Hasell steps onto the mat at a wrestling tournament, his mother Marla feels the same surge of adrenaline echoing through the stands.
Brady Hasell competes during a previous wrestling tournament in Carman. The 13-year-old is among local athletes set to take part in an open wrestling tournament returning to Carman Collegiate on Feb. 7, drawing competitors from across Manitoba
“It’s exciting, lots of adrenaline flowing in the stands too,” Hasell said. “It’s just the best when your child finds something they enjoy doing.”
Brady, 13, will be among the local wrestlers competing when an open wrestling tournament returns to Carman on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Carman Collegiate. The event is expected to draw between 120 and 140 athletes from across Manitoba, competing in divisions ranging from elementary through under-23.
Now in its third year, the tournament is an open event rather than a provincial qualifier, welcoming wrestlers of varying ages and experience levels. Local competitors will be joined by athletes from communities including Morden and Winkler, making the one-day event a showcase of the region’s growing wrestling scene.
Since Brady began wrestling, Hasell said she has seen noticeable changes in her son, both on and off the mat.
“He’s definitely gotten stronger,” she said. “He’s becoming more independent, disciplined and resilient.”
Wrestling has become a regular part of the Hasell family’s routine, with Brady practising two evenings a week at the community hall. Hasell said the training is demanding but positive, helping young athletes build healthy habits early.
“It’s an unreal workout and they have lots of fun,” she said. “A great habit to get into early.”
While competition is optional, Brady typically chooses to compete in several tournaments each season, travelling between November and March to events as far as Kelowna and Weyburn. Hasell said the focus remains on participation and community rather than results.
“He just picks which ones he wants to do, as the community of the club and the bi-weekly commitment to being active is his highlight,” she said.
Hasell believes youth wrestling is sometimes misunderstood as overly aggressive, when in reality it offers a supportive and structured environment.
“It’s a tough sport, being on the mat one-on-one, but it’s a really supportive and encouraging environment,” she said. “The coaches are fantastic, and they train for all the possible scenarios and outcomes, and how to best protect themselves physically and mentally through wins and losses.”
For Brady, the upcoming tournament is another opportunity to challenge himself while competing in front of familiar faces.
“It feels good,” he said. “This is the third year that we’ve hosted a tournament here. It’s lots of fun.”
Brady said wrestling has taught him lessons that extend beyond competition.
“Never give up,” he said. “Wrestling doesn’t teach you how to win, but how to lose and come back again.”
