Harry Geris

Who was Harry Geris?

Harry Geris was a Canadian Olympic wrestler who represented Canada in the 1968, 1972, and 1976 Olympics, and the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games.

Geris was born in Deurne in the Netherlands, and emigrated to Canada as a child. Geris grew up in London, Ontario along with his eight siblings, Cathy, Dorthy, Jackie, Jane, Fred, Angel, Hank, and Billy.

Geris attended H.B. Beal Secondary School where he tried out for numerous sporting teams including basketball and football. Harry was a member of H.B. Beal's wrestling team, where he earned two O.F.S.S.A. gold medals under the tutelage of wrestling coach Fred Flectcher. While at H.B. Beal Geris won his first of ten Canadian National Champions, which led him to representing Canada at three Olympic Games, 1968, 1972, and 1976.

His performance in High School athletics got the attention of the Head Coach of Joliet Junior College wrestling program in Illinois, Henry Pillard. Coach Pillard recruited Geris to the Wolves wrestling squad and as a result Harry won the N.C.A.A. Junior College Wrestling Championship in 1968. His performance at the 1968 Junior College N.C.A.A.