Coaches

he 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 third year coaching with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association.  Mike has coached football for twenty nine years and weightlifting for twenty two years.

 

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

Accreditation:

NCCP Competition Introduction in Training - Part A Complete

Experience & Bio 

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

   

Ian Perrett - Gr 4 -7

Accreditation:

 In Training

Experience & Bio:

 This is Ian's third year with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association and first year as a coach in the junior program.

 

Jacob Wall - Gr 4 -7

Accreditation:

 NCCP Introduction in Training

Experience & Bio:

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

     

 

Al McAvena - SD 23 BCSS Team, Senior Club Coach - Gr 8-12, Dr Knox Middle School, 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 second year coaching wrestling. The last thirty four have been with SD 23 and the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association. Al has coached many medalists at Provincial and National Championships.  Al has also coached wrestlers at international tournaments on several occasions. 

 

Shawn Basran - SD 23 BCSS Team, Senior Club Coach 

 Gr 8-12

Accreditation:

 NCCP Introduction in Training

Experience & Bio:

 This is Shawn's second year with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association and first year as a coach.  Shawn plays for the Okanagan Sun Football Team and was recently voted the Offensive Rookie of the Year for the BC Football Conference.

 

Reza Mortezazadeh - Glenmore Elementary Coach

Accreditation:

 In Training

Experience & Bio:

This is Reza's seventeenth year being involved with sport of wrestling with the last two coaching with SD 23 and the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association. 

 

Kristie Bjorgan - Club Registrar

Experience & Bio:

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 twelve years. Julian is a past Provincial medalist.