MUN wrestler Jon Smith motivated for success

It is difficult to assume anything when you meet MUN wrestler Jon Smith, however it is safe to assume that when he pins you, you feel it. Smith wrestles in the 130kg weight class, so it is no surprise that a Smith takedown might leave a mark. However, with a name like Jon Smith, the most common name in North America you would think that he is an ordinary guy with an ordinary name. However there is more to Smith than you might expect. With a passion for wrestling combined with a demanding graduate program in engineering Smith is grappling his way to success on the mat while building a professional future that appears very bright.

 

Smith is proud of the development the MUN wrestling program saw last season. Under head coach Kerri Ann Evely the team is building a core of student-athletes that are implementing a demanding daily training regiment. While wrestlers compete individually Smith felt that there was true team camaraderie this season.

 

He said, "Most people do not see wrestling as a team sport, but based on what I have seen, no other university has the same team culture that we have. We are close and supportive – standing on the sidelines cheering each other on. It makes a difference as a competitor to know you are not alone."

 

Smith, a native of Mount Pearl, is also impressed with the development of the women's wrestling team. Supporters of the Sea~Hawks may have heard about Victoria Ralph's CIS Championship bronze medal, the fourth ever national medal for a MUN wrestler, but they may not know that six MUN women qualified for nationals this season.

 

Smith said, "The growth of the women's program is impressive. They almost outnumber the guys and they train and compete as hard, or harder, than the guys. They had some great results but I feel it is only the tip of the iceberg."

 

Excelling in the masters of mechanical engineering program with Dr. Michael Hinchey with Memorial's Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Smith is no slouch in the classroom. This season he earned CIS Academic All-Canadian honors. His masters work focuses on the development and uses of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV's). The demands of this program, combined with the demands of being a varsity athlete, including daily training plus weekend competition, is difficult to balance. His academic resume has earned him a post-graduation position with Schlumberger.

 

"It's not easy (to balance academics and athletics). Earlier in university I always felt like I didn't have time to do things. I have learned that with better time management you can make time to be well-rounded. All academic programs get progressively more difficult but I encourage other students to get involved. If you want to learn wrestling, or anything else, just get involved. There are opportunities out there, recreationally and competitively, and if you do not take advantage you are missing out", he said.

 

Coach Evely, as a former wrestling standout, knows the stresses and demands that student-athletes face and has created a team culture where academic performance is a top priority.

 

"Kerri Ann has been there. She knows about the workload we face as student-athletes. She wants us to succeed, in wrestling and academically, so if we are experiencing challenges in balancing priorities we can just talk to her."

 

Smith's passion for wrestling is obvious. He has given a lot to the sport but has gotten a great deal back.

 

"Wrestling has taught me mental toughness. It is a much more mentally demanding sport that people realize. When your opponent is getting the better of you, finding the strength to fight back when all odds are against you is hard. That type of mental toughness makes six exams in six days seem a little less daunting."

 

As far as varsity wrestling goes, Smith's biggest accomplishment to date was earning a right to represent Memorial at the 2010 CIS Championship. "To see all the hard work pay off was very rewarding. Taking on the top university wrestlers in Canada was a great test of my abilities and an experience I will never forget."

 

Last October, while competing at the Concordia Open, Smith had the opportunity to meet one of his personal heroes. George St. Pierre (in photo with Smith), a native of Montreal and one of the most recognized Ultimate Fighting Championship fighters, was at the meet to cheer on some of his training partners. Smith made a deal with his teammates that if he won his opening match that he would approach him. St. Pierre took some time to congratulate Smith on his match and pose for a photo.

 

"It was a honour to meet someone of his athletic calibre. St. Pierre is well known for his wrestling ability and getting the opportunity to meet him was memorable."

 

Smith encourages anyone with an interest in wrestling to give it a try.

 

"No matter what your weight or height there is a place for you in wrestling, as there are a variety of different weight classes. As long as you are willing to work hard and constantly challenge yourself to improve you will find it very rewarding. Looking back at my experience I have nothing but kind words and great memories. I have met people that will always be good friends. If you are interested take a chance and get involved."