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Most athletes who are fortunate enough to reach the pinnacle of their sport rarely manage to stay at the top for a lengthy period of time; Steve Daniar was an exception to this rule. He had a stranglehold on the heavyweight division of the Canadian Senior Wrestling Championships winning consecutive titles from 1976 to 1980, a streak ended only by his retirement.


Born on July 8, 1955 in Fort William, Steve began his trek to greatness by learning his skills on the mats at Lakeview High School. Attending Lakehead University, Steve moved into national competition where he won the Canadian Junior Championship title in 1975. Steve entered the Senior level by upsetting the reigning championship for his first senior title in 1976.


A six-time member of the Canadian Wrestling Team, Steve excelled in the international scene, winning a gold medal at the 1978 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal at the 1979 Pan-American Games along with numerous titles at world meets.


A member of two Olympic teams, Steve finished 9th at the 1976 Games in Montreal. His second trip was halted by the Canadian boycott of the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow.


After his retirement in 1980, Steve began a very successful coaching career. As the Lakehead University wrestling coach from 1982-85, his team won four GPAC titles and Steve was named Junior Coach of the Year in 1982 and GPAC Coach of the Year in 1984-85.


Steve was persuaded in 1985 to come out of his retirement, going on to win the gold medal at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships. Steve reflected on the win by saying '"It just seemed the way to go out". A champion to the end.


Inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, September 29, 1990


Steve Daniar

Inducted: 
1990
Sport:
Wrestling
Community:
Thunder Bay
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