Shawn Geris joined the Lions coaching staff in 2012 and brings with him significant experience both locally and internationally. Prior to coming to York he was the head wrestling coach at Elite Training Centre, and he previously served as the head wrestling coach at Westview Centennial Secondary School (2006-09) and Kombat Arts Training Academy (2003-05).
A Level B NCCP certified coach, he was also chosen by Canada Wrestling to coach the Canadian national grappling team at the world championships in both 2009 and 2010. Geris has also coached athletes at the Extreme Fighting Championship, King of the Cage and at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC 129 in Toronto).
As a varsity wrestler himself, Geris began at junior college with the Fresno City College Rams, where he won the California state freestyle championship. He continued his career at Eastern Michigan University, Yipsilanti. While an Eagle, he helped his team win its first Mid-American Conference championship under coach of the year Willie Gadson.
Geris has also built an impressive list of accomplishments at the senior level of competition, including a fourth-place finish at the 2007 Commonwealth Games and the bronze medal at the 2007 Canada Cup. He went on to win the national title in 2008 and medalled at the 2008 Canadian Olympic trials.
