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Desjardins Roland

Roland (Bull Neck) Desjardins
Sport: Wrestling
Year Inducted: 1969

Roland “Bull Neck” Desjardins, born in 1916, started wrestling in Cornwall, fighting out of the Knights of Columbus Hall and the Canadian Legion Hall on Pitt Street.

He won the Cornwall Championship in 1934-35 in the 158-lbs. class.

He took part in the Olympic trials, losing out to Rene Hill of Ottawa by a decision. Hill went on to the Olympic Games.

Bull Neck then turned to pro wrestling up north in the areas of Timmins, Kirkland Lake, and Rouyn-Noranda. He went overseas with the Canadian Army, winning the Army Wrestling Championship in Scotland. Perren Magwood of Cornwall was at the fight.

Bull Neck was a powerful athlete. He also played lacrosse and hockey.

He died in 1985.