About Us
Our short history:
Grapple Yukon Association (GYA) is a not-for-profit sport incorporated under the Yukon Societies Act on March 28th, 2022.
We are the Territorial governing body for the sport of amateur wrestling & other affiliate combative sports in the Yukon.
We are an affiliate of Wrestling Canada and its official representative in the Yukon.
GYA is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that is comprised of a cross section of community members from across the Yukon, with representation from the athletes, coaches, and officials.
Our Board of Directors set the policy and direction of the Association.
To support the Association's efforts, there are small number of volunteers who serve as coaches and in process of being officials, and who are in the process to liaise with the communities.
Presently at it's infancy - there are approximately dozen plus registered members of the GYA - athletes, coaches, and soon to be officials.
GYA is an affiliate with Sport Yukon, Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle, and True Sport.
GYA Board 2024/25
President Dave Gillis
VP Jason Basnett
Secretary Dan Poelman
Treasurer Dan Poelman
Director Dan Hombert
Director Kulbir Gill
Director Aaron Jensen
Director Leanne Fortier
Director Robin LaPrairie
Why Grapple?
The word wrestling was already used in few previous registered societies. The red tape and the lengthy process to reclaim a name...... The word grapple was not taken yet. Plus if you know the Yukon - we are small population and our athletes and coaches are typically involved in other sports as well. GYA does work with other combative sport organization and programs in collaborative effort to get the best of our members.
Transparency: Our Coaches
The Coach Transcript provides verification of a coach’s National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) credentials.
Permission to view the transcript were provided by the coach, along with their NCCP # and the coach’s last name. Click Coach Transcript to access the page.
- Jason Basnett 319335
- David Gillis 5988098
- Aaron Jensen 656953
- Dan Poelman 150708
- Kulbir Gill 6301924
- Penny Prysnuk 771572
- Dan Hombert 6686977 & see https://eliteyukon.com
- Gabriel Loiola 6686941 & see https://eliteyukon.com
GYA Programs and GYA Affiliates / NEWS
GYA Programs and GYA Affiliates as of 10 Nov 2024.
A) GYA Program: Grapple Yukon programs offered at this time during the summer.
Check the affiliates for their schedules during the 2024/2025 school season.
A) The start of talent selection and recruitment program with coach Jason and coach Penny at the wolverine wrestling club for the following:
CSG 2025 details to follow soon. - St. John's, Newfoundland.
AGW 2026 details to follow. - Whitehorse, Yukon.
NAIG 2027 details to follow. - Calgary, Alberta.
1) GYA Affiliate: Wolverines Wrestling Club:
Location: Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle Gym 95 Lewes Blvd (Riverdale) Whitehorse
2024/2025 Schedule: 07 Nov 2024 - 14 Jul 2025
Monday & Thursday 3:45pm - 5:15pm
Fees: GYA registration fee is $60 and club fee is $315,
Ages: 12-19 (born 2005 - 2012).
Contact Coach Jason Basnett at 332-8035 for more information.
2) GYA Affiliate: Selkirk Bears Wrestling Club:
Location: Eliza Van Bibber School Gym, Pelly Crossing,
2024/2025 Schedule: During the school year (05 Nov to 17 Jun): Tue & Thu 3:30-5pm,
Fees: GYA registration fee is $60 and club fee is free,
Ages: all school student ages.
Contact Coach David Gillis at 689-0754 for more information.
3) GYA Affiliate: Elite Yukon BJJ Club
Location: YRTC 123 Copper road Whitehorse
Fees: GYA registration fee is $60 and club fees, ages & schedule - see: https://eliteyukon.com
Contact Coach Dan Hombert at 336-4863 for more information.
NEWS as of 22 Sep 2024
Jason Basnett VP will be travelling to Ottawa next weekend to represent the Yukon at WCL AGM
GYA Annual Membership is $60 from 1 Sep to 31 Aug
Received Foundation Funds and waiting on Podium Funds
Contact Affiliate coaches for the latest club schedule and other information.
CGC 2025 details to follow soon.
NEWS as of 09 Jun 2024:
AGM: Welcome new directors Leanne Fortier & Robin LaPrairie
NEWS as of 20 May 2024:
AGM (annual general meeting) is Sunday June 9th at 5pm at YRTC. All registered members are encouraged to attend. Contact yukonwrestling.info@gmail.com for more info.
Wolverines wrestling starting new program every Sunday 7-9pm June 2nd at YRTC. Contact us for more information.
NEWS as of 18 Mar 2024
Congratulations to Team Yukon's wrestlers at the AWG 2024!!! Gold: Lia, Leah, Aqilah. Silver: Liam, Max, Mickey, Harlan. Bronze: Kai.
Congratulations to all the wrestlers for placing third in the team event at the AWG 2024!!!
The wrestling team participated in Inuit wrestling. Liam Gishler (-60 kg) took gold. Mikey O’Brien (-65 kg) snared silver. Harlan Keefer (-78 kg) bagged bronze. Kai Simon-Sakurai (-85 kg) took bronze.
Among females, Aquilah Salim (-50 kg) won bronze. Max Oleshak (-55 kg) and Lia Hinchey (-60 kg) scored silver.
NEWS as of 09 Feb 2024
Succes at the Polar Games in Whitehorse. See photo 4/8 in link below.
https://www.yukon-news.com/sports/participating-in-the-polar-games-7316268
NEWS as of 22 Jan 2024
Due to other commitments, Leanne had to step down from her role as Secretary. Dan will resume this role.
NEWS as of 17 Nov 2023
A) GYA Program: AWG (Arctic Winter Games) Yukon Wrestling Team - 10-16 March 2024 in Wasilla & Palmer, AK. Head Coach: Jason Basnett Team Manager: David Gillis Training Schedule: Mon & Fri 3:30pm-5:30pm, Location: YASC Gym - Riverdale Studio, 95 Lewes Blvd (upstairs from Coyote Icecream), Team Fees: TBA. Ages: U17 as of 31 Dec 2023
GYA received an email message that could lead to a wrestling program in Dawson City.
NEWS as of 22 Oct 2023
- Leanne Fortier has joined the GYA Board and taking the position of secretary - welcome Leanne and thank you for your contribution.
- Girls wrestling - Tue 14 Nov 5-6pm at Elijah Smith Elementary & Wed 15 Nov 5-6pm at Whitehorse Elementary.
- Wrestling at Polar Games Feb 7th & 8th in the grey room at Mount Mac.
NEWS as of 01 Oct 2023
- 2 hour practise are Monday & Friday from 3:45pm - 5:45pm for athletes aged 12-19 years starts Friday 13 Oct 2023 at our new Location @ Riverdale Studio, 95 Lewes (upstairs from Coyote Icecream).
- 2024 Mat-Su Arctic Winter Games (AWG)| March 10-16, 2024 | in Palmer & Wasilla, Alaska.
- https://www.awg2024.org
- Wrestling Team Yukon trial date for the 2024 Arctic Winter Games is Sat 03 Dec 2023 10am - 12pm at ESE school gym.
- Female and Male U17 as of 31 Dec 2023.
- Contact head coach Jason via contact info in this website.
NEWS as of 30 Aug 2023
Regrettably, the Watson Lake wrestling club has lost their coach due to new employment opportunity in BC. Thanks and best of luck to you Zigg.
NEWS as of 28 Aug 2023
Hey all, recently a small team of Elite Jiu Jitsu members went down to Red Deer Alberta for the CBJJF Alberta open! We are excited to announce that we have earned some medals for Elite Jiu Jitsu and a tonne of experience and things to work on. Nick came away with silver by default, but fought hard for 2 matches, Kaylee and us all decided it might not have been the best idea to go under the boys blue belt division but she gave it a valiant effort, Aliyah, after 7 matches, yes 7.. some back to back, came home with 2 silvers and a bronze, Leanne ended up with a bronze for coming in 4th, And Professor Gabe also brought home a bronze! We personally want to thank our coaches Dan Hombert and Gabriel Loiola, all our training partners, as well as Shiroumakai's Aaron Jensen, and Lotteries Yukon for making funding for this event possible! Without all of you we wouldn't have been able to make this happen!
NEWS as of 01 Aug 2023
- Congratulations to wrestling team with wrestlers Eban, Kayce, Jacob & coaches/support Jason, Gabriel and Dan on great performance at NAIG.
NEWS as of 01 Jul 2023
- Thank you to all those that tried out for Team NAIG and to those that continue to coach, mentor, train and offer their support - much appreciated!
- Practise Wrestle Team Yukon for NAIG (14 Feb - 14 Jul) @ YRTC 123 Copper Road
Sun 630pm-830pm
Wed 515pm -645pm
Fri 7-9pm
- Congratulations to those going to NAIG2023, Halfifax 15-23Jul2023 athletes: Eban, Jacob. Kayce; Coaches and support: Jason, Gabriel & Dan.
- Team NAIG is in Anchorage training with the Alaskans 6-13 July.
- NAIG athletes: Eban Basnett- <66 KG, Jacob Nickel- <66 KG, Kayce Saligo- <74 KG.
- NAIG Wrestling schedule:
Monday 17th July from 430pm-530pm AST team Yukon practise on mat# 3 shared with team PEI; 630pm-830pm is the draw master clinic.
Tuesday 18th July from 8am - 10am AST is weigh in/ body check; 10am - 11am is coaches technical meeting, 1pm - 9pm is competition.
Wednesday 19th July from 930-1030am AST is warmups; 1030am - 430pm is matched for placing and medal rounds; 430pm-630pm are the medal ceremonies.
Venue: Dauphne Centre, SMU (Saint Mary's University).
Media: online live link to follow.
Time: It’s 4 hour difference. Example 1pm AST (Atlantic Standard Time) is 9am YST (Yukon Standard Time).
NEWS as of 10 Mar 2023
- WE HAVE ANOTHER NAIG ID CAMP FOR WRESTLING!
- We need to have enough athletes to make a team, so please help us share them around!
- Open to indigenous youth ages 13 to 19 (born 2004 to 2008). NAIG will be held in Halifax, NS from July 15 – 23, 2023.
- There is no need to register in advance, it is a drop-in basis with a sign-up form at the door.
- Monday March 13th, 2023
- 95 Lewes Blvd (YASC Studio)
- 3:30-4:30pm
- For more info contact info@yasc.ca or call 867-668-2840
NEWS as of 04 Feb 2023
- Congratulations to the team at AWG! https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yukon-wrestlers-arctic-winter-games-1.6735865
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_3AGYYhfjhw6c-andiC6xXvPXBQcdl9x
NEWS as of 01 Jan 2023:
- Zigg Pica with support of the school and members of the community has started an after school wrestling program in Watson Lake .
- Good luck to Team Yukon with athletes Jaymi, Leah, Lia, Liam, Harlan, Caleb and Gabriel with coaches/support Jason and Tonja going to the AWG 30 Jan to 02 Feb at Wood Buffalo, AB. https://yukon.ca/awg-team-yukon
NEWS as of 23 Oct 2022:
1) Wrestling Tournament - Wed 23 Nov / afternoon at CSSC Mercier (beside FH School). Contact Jason Basnett
2) Wrestling - Team Yukon trial date for 2023 Arctic Winter Games @ Sat Dec 10, 2022 in Pelly Crossing. Contact David Gillis.
3) Polar Games - ground wrestling / grade 5. Contact Jason Basnett
4) Wrestling program / club: possibly in Haines Junction (stay tuned).
NEWS as of 18 Aug 2022:
https://www.yukon-news.com/news/team-yukon-closes-first-week-of-canada-summer-games-7003084
GYA Programs and GYA Affiliates as of 01 Jan 2023:
A) GYA Program: AWG (Arctic Winter Games) Yukon Wrestling Team - 29 Jan to 04 Feb 2023 in Wood Buffalo, AB Head Coach: Jason Basnett Team Manager: David Gillis Training Schedule: TBA, Location: YRTC (Yukon Regional Training Centre) 123 Copper Rd, Whitehorse. Team Fees: TBA. Ages: TBA.
B) GYA Program: NAIG ( North American Indigenous Games) Yukon Wrestling Team - 15 to 23 Jul 2023 in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth, Millbrook First Nation (Nova Scotia). Head Coach: David Gillis Team Manager: Jason Basnett Schedule: TBA, Location: YRTC (Yukon Regional Training Centre) 123 Copper Rd, Whitehorse. Team Fees: TBA. Ages: TBA.
1) GYA Affiliate: Wolverines Wrestling Coach: Jason Basnett Schedule: Sun 630-830pm, Wed 515 to 715pm. Location: YRTC (Yukon Regional Training Centre) 123 Copper Rd, Whitehorse. Club Fees: $80 Ages: 13+.
2) GYA Affiliate: Selkirk Bears Wrestling Coach: David Gillis, Schedule: Tue & Thu 3:30-5pm, Location: Eliza Van Bibber School Gym, Pelly Crossing, Club Fees: free, Ages: all school student ages.
3) GYA Affiliate in progress: Name TBA Wrestling Coach: Zigg Pica, Schedule: Tue 3:15-4;15pm grades 3 -7 & Fri 5:30-6:30pm grades 4-7 & Sat 1pm teenagers/adults (13+), Location: Watson Lake Secondary School Gym, Watson Lake, Club Fees: free, Ages: school student ages in grade 3 and up / adults.
Wrestling Team @ Peggy’s Cove, NS - 16 Jul 2023
Congratulations to wrestlers Eban, Kayce, Jacob; coaches Jason, Gabriel & support Dan for great performance at NAIG2023 in Halifax (15-23 July)
Wrestling Practise from 13 Oct 2023 to 08 Mar 2024
Thanks to our volunteers Jason, Eban, Kaelan, Rob, Tonja, Dan, Gael & Matt help move and setup mats today 8th Oct at our new Location @ Riverdale Studio, 95 Lewes (upstairs from Coyote Icecream).
2 hour practise are Monday & Friday from 3:45pm - 5:45pm for athletes aged 12-19 years.
Contact Coach Jason using contact info on our website.