Erik Galliford wasn’t planning on making a trip to Ontario anytime soon. But after attending the Alberta Open provincial wrestling championships earlier this month, he suddenly has a date in Whitby, Ontario next month.
Galliford, 15, won his 58-kilogram class at the provincials. Now his family and the Westlock Wrestling Club is scrambling to come up with the funds to pay for a trip to a national championship.
“He’s really good,” says his coach William Norton. “He’s as strong as an ox. He’s got a good head for it.”
The matter came before M.D. #124 council last week when Flatbush Councillor Murray Kerik passed on a request for financial support for the young athlete. Council complied, electing to contribute $750.
Kerik told council that the short notice was due largely to the fact that no one really expected the Westlock athletes to win any medals. The club is just six months old, he said.
In a letter to council, the club explained the situation.
“As this is our inaugural year, funding has been limited and Erik’s success was unexpected but has been greatly appreciated. The Westlock Wrestling Club anticipates a final cost of $2,500 needed to ensure Erik is afforded the opportunity to show his skills at the national scene.”
The Town of Westlock has apparently also kicked in to cover the cost of hotel accommodations. Galliford won three matches at the provincial tournament to earn the gold medal. Norton figures his chances are good at nationals.
“He beat everybody in Alberta, why can’t he beat everybody in Canada?”

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