Coaches
The coaches for COWA are here to provide a high level of professional guidance and support for our athletes. All of our coaches are volunteers and are required to have up to date Criminal Record Checks. As well, all of our coaches are certified (or in training working towards certification) with the NCCP Wrestling Coaching Certification program.
| Club Level | Coaches | Contact |
| Elementary |
Al McAvena - Bankhead, Glenmore and North Glenmore |
amcavena@shaw.ca 250-861-3163 Or contact schools for more info |
|
Gr 4-7 Junior Gr K-3 |
Julian DiPalma, Jacob Wall
Liisa Wainman, Amanda Epp |
juliandipalma@gmail.com 778-678-1014 |
|
Senior Gr 8-12 |
Al McAvena, Michael Vallido
|
amcavena@shaw.ca 250-861-3163 |
Al McAvena - Elementary/Senior Club Coach
Accreditation:
- NCCP: Community Sports Coach
- NCCP Part A - Sport Coach
- NCCP Part B - Club Coach
Experience & Bio:
This is Coach Al’s forty-seventh year coaching the sport of wrestling. The last twenty-nine have been with School District #23 and the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association. Al has coached many wrestlers at numerous National Championships including lots of medalists. Al has also been a member of Canada’s coaching staff to World Championships on two occasions.
Michael Vallido - Senior Club Coach
Accreditation:
- NCCP Community Sports Coach
Experience & Bio
Michael has been involved with the Central Okanagan Wrestling association for seven years. This is his third year coaching the senior program. Michael is a former U Sports Championship medalist.
Julian DiPalma - Junior Club Coach - Gr 4-7
Accreditation:
- NCCP Part A - Sport Coach
Experience & Bio:
Julian has been involved with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association for 8 years. This is his second year coaching with the club.
Jacob Wall - Junior Club Coach - Gr 4-7
Experience & Bio:
Jacob is in grade twelve at Kelowna Secondary School. This is his sixth year with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association and fourth year helping with the Junior program. Jacob is a past provincial medalist.
Liisa Wainman - Junior Club Coach - Gr K-3
Accreditation:
- NCCP Part A - Sport Coach
Experience & Bio
This is Liisa's second year coaching with the club. As a wrestler Liisa won the bronze medal at the 2010 Cadet Pan-American Championships. Liisa twice finished third at the U19 Canadian Championships. Liisa went on to win two Junior Canadian Championships. Liisa represented Canada at both the 2012 and 2013 Junior World Championships.
Amanda Epp - Junior Club Coach - Gr K-3
Experience & Bio:
Amanda is in grade eleven at Kelowna Secondary School. This is her fifth year with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association and third year helping with the Junior program.