As Team Manitoba gears up for the 2025 Canada Summer Games, the wrestling squad has capable and experienced leadership with Head Coach Kris Stasiak. With decades of involvement in the sport— as an athlete, then as a coach—Stasiak brings a deep-rooted passion for wrestling and a clear vision for what success means, both on and off the mat.

A Lifelong Journey in Wrestling

Born in Poland, Kris Stasiak first stepped onto the wrestling mat at just 10 years old. After immigrating to Canada, he continued his wrestling journey with the University of Manitoba before shifting his focus to coaching. His first major coaching assignment came at the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg.

Since then, Stasiak has become a cornerstone of Manitoba’s wrestling community. The 2025 Games will mark his fifth appearance at the Canada Games as a coach—this time as head coach for Team Manitoba.

“For some of these kids, this will be the closest thing to the Olympics they’ll ever experience,” he says. “It’s simply fun. It teaches responsibility, achievement, and good life lessons.”

Preparing for the 2025 Games

With the Games fast approaching, Stasiak and his team are deep in preparation mode.

“We’re practicing and will be going to a training camp the week before the Games,” he explains. “Right now, we’re still developing some new skills but this is the time we polish up what they already know.”

Mental preparation plays a critical role, especially for young athletes new to this level of competition.

“Mental concentration is a big learning curve for young athletes,” he says. “You have to teach them, they have to experience it, and it takes time for them to understand how to use it.”

To support that growth, the team’s assistant coach, who also has a background in psychology, is working with the athletes to help them manage nerves, stress, and focus leading into the event.

A Small but Mighty Team

The wrestling program in Manitoba is small, and that’s part of what makes the team dynamic special. The athletes— mainly from two local clubs—already know each other. They’re building bonds through shared training sessions and camps where they’re learning about mindset and managing pressure to focus on their own performance.

“We tell the kids to relax and not worry too much about their opponents. Don’t burn yourself out before you go to the match,” he advises. “If they want to be a champion, they have to beat you first.”

That confidence, combined with physical readiness, is what Stasiak looks for when deciding if an athlete is ready for a national multi-sport competition.

Sport Science, Strength and Conditioning

Team Manitoba’s wrestling program has also integrated support systems beyond the mat. With strength and conditioning assistance from Sport Manitoba and access to a nutritionist, the athletes are learning how to properly manage their bodies—especially when it comes to making weight and staying healthy for competition.

Goals for the Games

While medals are always a goal, Stasiak’s definition of success runs deeper.

“In Niagara [at the last Games], we had our best medal count since I started coaching at the Canada Games,” he recalls. “The athletes that I coach turn out to be lawyers, doctors, financial advisors, I’m hoping this will give them a good life lesson. Be persistent, work hard, and don’t give up. Enjoy the moment.”

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