TORONTO – The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold are proud to announce that its upcoming wrestling competition, scheduled for November 10, 2024, will be renamed the Pat Bolger Open in honour of the late Pat Bolger, the first head coach of TMU's wrestling program.

In 1972, everything changed for the university's wrestling program when the 24-year-old Olympian, Pat Bolger, was hired as their head coach. Bolger brought significant changes to the team, leaving behind a legacy as a wrestler, coach, and mentor.

Bolger was the first coach hired to lead TMU's wrestling team (then Ryerson) and served from 1972 until 1988. His mission was to build a competitive program that would thrive for years to come. During his tenure, he trained notable athletes such as Joe Dell'Aquila and brothers Mike and Sean Barry, with Dell'Aquila and Mike Barry winning national titles in 1975.

Bolger not only elevated the wrestling program at TMU but also made history in his own wrestling career. He qualified for two Olympic teams, wrestling and judo, and was the only Canadian to do so at the time. He also achieved numerous national titles and was a seven-time Canadian Open wrestling champion.

The Bold are eager to honor Bolger's legacy and look forward to a successful season of competition.