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 |
falconswrestling@hotmail.com 250-861-3163 Or contact schools for more info |
|
Junior Gr 3-7 |
Julian DiPalma, Jacob Wall, Amanda Epp | juliandipalma@gmail.com 778-678-1014 |
|
Senior Gr 8-12 |
Al McAvena, Liisa Wainman
|
falconswrestling@hotmail.com 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-sixth year coaching the sport of wrestling. The last twenty-eight 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.
Liisa Wainman - Senior Club Coach
Accreditation:
- NCCP Part A - Sport Coach
Experience & Bio:
Liisa began wrestling in grade 9 medalling twice at high school provincial championships. Liisa won the 2010 cadet national team trials and went to the Cadet Pan-American Championships where she won bronze. In her grade 11 and 12 years Liisa finished third on the national podium. Liisa then wrestled at Brock university were she won two junior national championships. Liisa represented Canada at both the 2012 and 2013 Junior World Championships.
Julian DiPalma - Junior Club Coach
Accreditation:
- NCCP Part A - Sport Coach
Experience & Bio:
Julian has been involved with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association for 7 years. 2019 is his first year coaching with the club.
Jacob Wall - Junior Club Coach
Experience & Bio:
Jacob is in grade eleven at Kelowna Secondary School. This is his fifth year with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association and third year helping with the Junior program. Jacob is a past provincial medalist.
Amanda Epp - Junior Club Coach
Experience & Bio:
Amanda is in grade ten at Kelowna Secondary School. This is her fourth year with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association and second year helping with the Junior program.