OAWA Presents the 2025-2026 Ontario Wrestlers' Educational Trust Fund Recipients

The OAWA is pleased to announce its first two recipients for the OWETF for 2025-2026.  Circa 1980, the Ontario Amateur Wrestling Association established a Trust Fund to support wrestlers attending post-secondary institutions.  The fund was dormant for many years, but in 2025 the OAWA Board of Directors acted to resume the fund and begin making annual payments to two OAWA members who are attending Teachers’ College.

The OAWA wishes to congratulate the following as the first two Teachers’ College Trust Fund recipients:

Samantha Romero

Samantha was long-time member of the Brock Wrestling Club.  She completed her teacher education program at Brock University in the primary/junior stream, graduating in June of 2026. She is currently employed as an occasional teacher with the District School Board of Niagara as an elementary teacher and have been teaching in K-8 classes. Samantha is currently completing additional qualifications through OISE to be qualified to teach up to grade 12. Her goal is to use these qualifications to become a secondary teacher and start a wrestling team at the future high school. I am looking forward to inspiring the next generation of learners through education and sport!

In addition to her teaching goals, she has recently started coaching a youth wrestling class with her husband Anthony Romero’s martial arts gym in Port Colborne, Genius Fitness & MMA. Their goal is to develop this program from weekly classes into a youth wrestling team to create more opportunities for youth in Niagara to wrestle and compete at the club and OFSAA level.

Adriano DiBenedetto

Adriano competed for the Hamilton Wrestling Club.  He now coaches with the Junior Marauders Wrestling Club.

Adriano completed teachers college this year.  He graduated in June.  He is currently employed with the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board as an occasional teacher (supply teacher). He had an LTO contract with Bishop Tonnos as a business teacher right before exams.

Adriano is currently a coach with the Jr. Marauders wrestling club and is Secretary of the Hamilton Wrestling Club.  He plans to coach wherever he can within Hamilton High Schools. Last year he helped at coach at both Bishop Ryan and St. Thomas More High Schools.

Congratulations to Samantha and Adriano.  The OAWA is pleased to offer this opportunity to develop up-and-coming coaches. 

Look for information on the 2026-2027 Bursary Application process in the Fall OAWA Coaches’ Mailing.