Three members of the Concordia Stingers wrestling program have been awarded Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals recognizing their significant contributions and achievements as Canadians.
All-Canadian David Tremblay and assistant coach Martine Dugrenier were honoured as athletes. Both represented Canada at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London last August. They received their medals from Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Ottawa last September.
Tremblay just completed his last year with the Concordia wrestling program. He won his fifth gold medal in as many years when the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) wrestling championships were held at Western University in March. Tremblay earned first team CIS all-Canadian honors for his efforts and was named the outstanding male wrestler in CIS.
Dugrenier finished her university wrestling career in 2004. She continued to train and went on to represent Canada at several World Championships, winning gold medals in 2008, 2009 and 2010, and two Olympic Games. During that time she also began coaching the Stingers’ young wrestlers.
In early 2013, it was announced that Concordia head coach Victor Zilberman would receive a medal as well. He was recognized for significant contributions to coaching through the National Coaching Certification Program. He was among 49 outstanding individuals who were selected for their leadership in coaching development.
Zilberman has run the Concordia wrestling program since 1977. He has guided his athletes to 63 gold medals and eight team titles at the nationals. Since 1980, Concordia has won 131 medals. In addition nine Stinger athletes have been named the outstanding wrestler at the CIS tournaments, and Zilberman has been named Coach of the Year on five occasions - in 2012, 2011, 2006, 1986 and in 1984.
The commemorative medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. During the year-long celebrations, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized.
