Ozog aims to finish strong
Seth Ozog doesn’t makes any excuses for how he wrestled during last year’s high school season.
“Last year I just kind of goofed off and this year I am actually trying,” the 12B student at E.L. Crossley said Thursday, prior to winning the Southern Ontario Secondary Schools Association 83-kilogram title at Blessed Trinity. “I wasn’t trying 100 per cent at practice and just kind of almost coaching other people. This year, I am practising hard and working on moves.”
Ryan Weicker, who has helped coach Ozog with the Brock Junior Badgers program for the past decade, has noticed a change in Ozog’s attitude.
“His hard work is always there but it is just focus. Last year he was there but he wasn’t hyper focused,” he said. “This year, he is asking more questions. He is really trying to pick apart his technique to find what works best for him.”
The 18-year-old St. Catharines resident has a simple explanation why things are different this year.
“It is my last year and Perry (Wakulich) came back and he wants to see me win gold. And I really want to win gold too.”
Wakulich, a long-time wrestling coach, has been an important influence in Ozog’s wrestling career.
“He taught me most of the stuff that I know,” the former provincial champion said.
By winning SOSSA Thursday, Ozog has qualified for the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations championships March 5-6 in Hamilton. He placed sixth in his first trip to OFSAA and captured a bronze medal in 2023 after not having his best performance in the semifinals.
What happened in 2023 has also pushed him to take his training to the next level.
“It was a kick in the ass and it kind of sucked. Losing definitely sucks and it makes you work harder in practice and do smaller stuff on the side.”
Ozog will use his previous experiences at OFSAA to help this time around.
“It’s taking it slow and having fun. If you have fun, you move better and faster.”
Weicker has high expectations for Ozog at the high school provincials.
“He is a super talented kid. Technically he is probably the best in the province at his weight class. If he just puts it together, I expect him to win OFSAA. There are a couple of kids out there who can challenge him but he’s such a strong wrestler.”
Ozog, who will be starting the paramedic program at the Ontario College of Health and Technology on April 25, will be missed by his coaches with the Brock Junior Badgers.
“He is the nicest kid you could ever imagine coaching. He is so friendly, he thanks you at every practice if you are running the practice and he always comes up and gives you hugs and shakes your hand,” Weicker said.
