Founded in 2013 by Sheldon Francis and members of the Bishop Ryan CSS community. The first programs included the Junior Wrestling Program and the Fitness & Multi-sport Camp program. In 2017, FBR became the host of the Bishop Ryan Wrestling team’s feeder school wrestling program, which is now the Mentorship Program for Elementary School Wrestling. FBR is currently expanding to offer Volleyball programming in 2021, while multidisciplinary arts & sports camps are also in development.

In 2020, we brought in Emily Ling to take on the role of development coach for all programs. Unfortunately, 2020 also brought the unprecedented pandemic, due to Covid-19. While many programs had to shut down due to safety regulations, FBR found ways to pivot and continue providing resources and opportunities for athletes of all levels to stay engaged and active. On top of outdoor training sessions, online fitness training, virtual wrestling practices, and learning opportunities from Canada’s top wrestlers, 2020 saw the development of the FBR At Home Resources, which provides individuals and families an opportunity to stay active at home. This resource will be continuing to develop to allow families and athletes to have accessible ways to get active.

In 2021, we are getting back on track, jumpstarting our fitness and skill development with various camps and training opportunities. We are excited and looking forward to what the future will bring as we continue to help athletes develop and continue to develop as an organization.

Founder and Head Coach

• 5x CIS (now USports) medallist
• Canadian Jr National Champion
• CIS Outstanding Male Wrestler in 2006
• 2006 McMaster Male Athlete of the Year
• 3x OFSAA Champion
• McMaster Athletics Hall of Fame
• Former Cadet National Team Head Coach
• Former Assistant Coach at McMaster University

Sheldon is committed to program and athlete development. He strives to provide opportunities for athletes to be challenged and reach their full potential, in sport and life.

Development Coach

• Former Canadian National Team Wrestler
• Commonwealth Games Bronze Medalist
• Francophone Games Bronze Medalist
• 4x University National Champion
• 5x Ontario University Champion
• 4x OFSAA Champion

Emily is excited to help our athletes have fun, stay safe, and develop their athletic skills!

Program Coordinator

• Completed diploma in Health, Wellness & Fitness from Mohawk College
• Pursuing Bachelor of Fine Arts at McMaster University
• Former member of Bishop Ryan Wrestling team
• Experience as youth wrestling coach and grant writer
• Member of the Art Gallery of Hamilton Volunteer Association

Elinor works to combine her skills to give back and empower youth in the Hamilton community.

Head Volleyball Coach

• Volleyball, Swimming and Track Coach at Bishop Ryan CSS
• Former Assistant Coach Smash Volleyball (Smash Raiders Volleyball)
• Former Assistant Coach Mountain Volleyball Club
• Former Assistant Coach McMaster University Women’s Volleyball

Michael brings his creative and fun-loving approach to everything he does.

Graphic and Web Designer

• Completed diploma in Graphic Design from Mohawk College
• Provisional Member of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD) 
• Honourable Mention for personal website (michaelladesign.com)
• Gold Medal in Graphic Design – Studio Production for Skills Ontario 2022 

Michaella is passionate about using design and marketing for good. She has worked with a number of non-profits and small businesses to help them achieve their goals.

 U20 and U23 High Performance Coach

• Former Canadian team member (wrestling and judo)
• 2006 McMaster Female Athlete of the Year
• 2 x OFSAA Champion
• World University Games Bronze Medalist (wrestling)
• Commonwealth Championships Champion (wrestling)
• Francophone Games Silver Medalist (judo)
• McMaster Athletics Hall of Fame
• Former Assistant Coach at McMaster University

Stefanie is excited to help athletes reach their full potential as they enter the elite level of their athletic career, while maintaining their love of sport!