Tyler Phipps Wrestling Center
York University has announced the plans for the construction of the Tyler Phipps Wrestling Center to house the men’s and women’s wrestling programs. The 9,000-square-foot facility is being built adjacent to the university’s Holthus Field House, which sits a block off the main campus. It will come equipped with space large enough for 2.5 wrestling mats and separate locker rooms for both the men’s and women’s programs. Additional fundraising is needed to finish the project.
Plans are to break ground in October with an intended completion date before the Spring 2024 semester.
Tyler Phipps
The facility will be named in honor of former York wrestling student-athlete, Tyler Phipps (‘08). Tyler was a bright light on campus, a faithful Christian witness who could be counted on for a friendly smile and a gentle laugh. Although a physically intimidating wrestler and a two-time NAIA Championship qualifier (‘07 and ‘08) from Ozark, Mo., Tyler was full of kindness and endeared himself to all faculty, staff and students. Tyler finished a degree in business and was working with his father’s company in Missouri when he tragically passed away on September 26, 2015 in a hunting accident.
“When York launched its men’s wrestling program almost two decades ago, we had a limited practice facility that could serve a small number of wrestlers,” said Smith. “Since that time, our men’s program has tripled in size and we have added a women’s wrestling program; both have garnered national attention and continue to grow their rosters, further stressing our original wrestling facility. I want to thank the Phipps family for providing a generous lead donation ensuring our wrestlers have an updated facility that is a grand improvement than the current space, and for believing in the mission of York University to transform lives for Christ.”