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 - National Coaching Certification Certification program.

Mike Godwin - Junior Club Coach - Gr K-3

Accreditation:

NCCP Competition Introduction Part A & B Complete

Experience & Bio 

This is Mike's second year coaching with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association.  Mike has coached football for twenty eight years and weightlifting for twenty one years.

Jacob Wall - Gr 4 -7

Accreditation:

NCCP Competition Introduction in Training

Experience & Bio:

 This is Jacob's eighth year with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association and sixth year as a coach.  Jacob is a past Provincial medalist

Tim Taylor - Casorso Elementary School & Junior Club Coach - Gr 4 - 7

Accreditation:

NCCP Competition Introduction in Training - Part A Complete

Experience & Bio 

This is Tim's sixth year being involved with wrestling and second year coaching with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association.

 April Martinig - SD 23 BCSS Team, Senior Club Coach - Gr 8-12

Accreditation:

NCCP Competition Introduction Certified

NCCP Competition Development Trained

Experience & Bio: 

This is April’s fourth year of coaching wrestling and first year coaching with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association. April has wrestled for over 15 years across three provinces and went on to complete her varsity years with the University of Alberta's wrestling team from 2016-2020.

Al McAvena - SD 23 BCSS Team, Senior Club Coach - Gr 8-12, Casorso Elementary School, Glenmore Elementary School

Accreditation:

NCCP Community Sports Coach Certified

NCCP Competition Introduction Certified

NCCP Competition Development Certified

Experience & Bio:

This is Al’s fifty first year coaching wrestling. The last thirty three have been with SD 23 and the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association. Al has coached many medalists at Provincial and National Championships.  Al has also been a member of Canada’s coaching staff to World Championships on two occasions. 

Mark Readman - SD 23 BCSS Team, Senior Club Coach - Gr 8-12

 Accreditation:

NCCP Competition Introduction in Training - Part A Complete

Experience & Bio:

This is Mark's eleventh year with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association. 

Kristie Bjorgan - Club Registrar, Glenmore Elementary School Coach

Experience & Bio:

Kristie is in her third year of coaching at Glenmore Elementary School.  Kristie is a two time Provincial and National Champion while in high school.  She was also was a Junior National Champion and represented Canada at the Junior World Championships where she finished fifth.

Julian Di Palma - Web Developer

Accreditation:

NCCP Competition Introduction in Training - Part A Complete

Experience & Bio:

Julian has been involved with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association for eleven years. Julian is a past Provincial medalist.