Shane McDonald
Wrestling (2005)

Shane achieved many outstanding moments in Canadian amateur wrestling, most as a member of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, winning three Canada West titles, one CIAU championship and being voted All-Canadian three times.

Shane was born in Saskatoon and first developed his interest in wrestling while attending Walter Murray Collegiate.  While in high school, he was active in wrestling from 1978 through 1980, winning the school’s outstanding wrestler award in his Grade 12 year.

Shane was a member of the Saskatoon Wrestling Club as well, winning provincial junior titles in 1981 and 1982 and getting the No., 1 place on the podium for winning the Canadian senior championship in his division in 1984.

Shane receives the award from amateur wrestling president Dave Lacey for being Saskatchewan’s senior wrestler of the year in 1983.

Early in his career at the University of Saskatchewan, Shane gained medal success at the Canada West championships, with a third in 1982 and then a second in the 54-kilogram weight class in 1983.

He was a member of the 1982 Huskie team, which was coached by Gordon Garvie, a Saskatoon Sports Hall of Famer.  Shane made his impact in the 51-kilogram class, winning the Canada West championship three straight years, 1984 through 1986.  During 1984, Shane was second in the 51-kilogram class when the CIAU championships were held in Saskatoon.

He rose to the Canadian championship level by taking gold in the 1986 finals, the first University of Saskatchewan wrestler to win at the nationals in nine years. He was voted the university’s outstanding wrestler, 1984 through 1986, and was also recognized as an All-Canadian each year.

The 1986 season was particularly impressive for the Huskies, winning the Canada West team championship and sending every team member to the CIAU finals.

Shane earned a silver medal during his 1983 experience with the Saskatchewan team at the Canada Winter Games and, twice he represented Canada at international tournaments, once at the Canada Cup in 1984 and once at a tournament in Cuba in 1985.

Shane remains active as a board member and a coach with the Saskatoon Wrestling Club.