Geris grew up in London, Ontario along with his eight siblings, Cathy, Dorthy, Jackie, Jane, Fred, Angel, Hank, and Billy.

Geris attended Sir Adam Beck Secondary School where he tried out for numerous sporting teams including basketball and football.

While at Sir Adam Beck 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.

Championships earned Harry a scholarship to wrestle at perennial powerhouse Oklahoma State University where placed 2nd at the Big 8 Tournament and 4th at the 1972 N.C.A.A.

He travelled the team around North America developing some of the best wrestlers in the country, and lead kids to obtain scholarships with wrestling.

[1] Geris was found dead by a construction worker at 7.30am on April 24, 2008, behind Saunders Secondary School in London, Ontario where he was delivering wrestling mats for an upcoming tournament.