Chris Kelman became an assistant coach with the Lions in 2015. He is a graduate of the University, earning his teaching degree in 1995.
In addition to working with the Lions, he is a teacher and wrestling coach at Heart Lake S.S. in Brampton, Ont., a role he has held since 1999. He won his first senior boys’ ROPSSAA championship in 2003, and in his time with the program, his team has placed in the top three each season and won the title five times. He has also won two OFSAA team championships (2011 and 2013), becoming the first Afro-Canadian high school teacher-coach in Ontario to accomplish the feat. In 2014, he was named the recipient of the OFSAA Leadership in School Sports Award.
Kelman began his coaching career as an assistant at Matmen Wrestling Club, and became the head coach of the program from 1994-96 after completing his NCCP Level 3 certification, winning a provincial team bronze medal in 1995.
His coaching prowess came after a successful varsity career at Brock University, where he finished fifth at the OUA championships in 1988 with the Badgers. After graduating with a degree in geography, he converted to judo and won three straight provincial championships (1990-92).
