Our Mission
As a multi-use recreation center, we’re committed to building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community through three core principles:
Community: We bring people together through shared spaces, programs, and experiences that create meaningful connections and a sense of belonging.
Empowerment: We encourage personal growth, lifelong learning, and skill development by creating opportunities for people of all ages to learn, grow, and thrive.
Inclusivity: We foster a welcoming and accessible environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and encouraged to participate.
May 2026
Our Why
I’m often asked why I built the Great Lakes Training Center and founded Great Lakes Wrestling. For me, the answer goes back to the experiences that shaped my own journey through sports, fitness and family.
Sports and fitness have always been a big part of my life. For 15 years, I competed in marathons and triathlons, including seven Boston Marathons, my favorite race, and the IRONMAN World Championship. Through competing and coaching, I saw firsthand how athletics can build confidence, resilience and character. When I retired from racing, I found myself wondering, “What’s next?”
The answer turned out to be wrestling.
After years of watching my son compete, I developed a true love for the sport and everything it teaches. Wrestling builds far more than athletic ability. It teaches discipline, accountability, resilience and the confidence to face challenges both on and off the mat. I wanted to create a place where young athletes could develop those qualities, work toward their goals and feel part of a community.
A Focus on Girls’ Wrestling
Great Lakes Wrestling is for everyone, but creating more opportunities for girls is especially important to me. As girls’ wrestling continues to grow, I want female athletes to have a place where they feel supported and empowered.
As the owner of a woman owned business, I also hope our facility shows young girls that strength, confidence and leadership are qualities worth developing and celebrating.
A Lifelong Fitness Journey
My vision for the training center has always extended beyond wrestling. I wanted the Great Lakes Training Center to be a place where people of all ages, from kids to adults, can become stronger and healthier, try something new and connect with others in their community.
Our slogan, Homegrown, represents what this journey means to me. It is about staying connected to our roots, investing in our community and remembering the people who helped us get where we are today.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about our story. I hope you’ll become part of our community and build upon your story.
Lisa Altman, Owner and Operator
Herald-Palladium 07/31/26
