He's been connected to McMaster for so long, that Omar Ahmed hardly registers a change as he prepares for university life -- and a varsity spot on the Marauder wrestling team -- in the fall.

After all, Ahmed has been training and competing alongside McMaster grapplers for two years, as a beneficiary of the Burlington Amateur Wrestling Club's partnership with the program that spawned the Junior Marauders.

He slides easily into the full title of Marauder, and considers it "only natural" that he would choose to stay with the group that has helped transform him rapidly from a bundle of raw, unexplored talent in ninth grade, to a two-time Canadian juvenile champion.

Plucked out of a history class at Burlington's Robert Bateman High School with no grappling experience whatsoever, Ahmed made for a quick study as he trained with fellow Bateman grad and current Marauder standout Ahmed Shimaya. Just two years after taking up the sport, Ahmed claimed the 63kg division title at the Canadian Juvenile Championships, defeating larger, more experienced wrestlers along the way.

He proved this season that 2013 was no fluke, repeating as the 63kg champion with a tight 10-8 decision victory over Montreal's Alex Moore in April's final. Just a few weeks prior, Ahmed advanced to the bronze medal match at the national junior tournament, which includes university-aged competition. The man on the other side of the mat was none other than his classmate and friend Shimaya, and while he couldn't get the best of the OUA all-star, Ahmed battled to a respectable 6-2 decision loss.



He presents McMaster's coaching staff with an incredibly high ceiling -- early as he is in his development as a wrestler -- and insists that his focus is squarely set on improving his technique.

Ahmed is not the only promising young wrestler to be joining the Marauder ranks in the fall, as Sarnia's Robert Smith is similarly bound for the Maroon and Grey.

Smith is a lightweight, dual-sport grappler who has competed nationally in both wrestling and judo. He is expected to make an immediate contribution to the Marauders' lightweight group.

McMaster head coach Nick Cipriano indicated that he is "absolutely thrilled" to announce both additions, who he believes can both make their presence felt in their rookie seasons.

FURTHER READING: Burlington Post (April 9, 2013) -- "Ahmed takes quick route to Canadian wrestling title"