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 |
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 eighth year coaching the sport of wrestling. The last thirty 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
- NCCP Part A Sport 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 4-6
Accreditation:
- NCCP Part A - Sport Coach
Experience & Bio:
Julian has been involved with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association for nine years. This is his third year coaching with the club.
Jacob Wall - Junior Club Coach - Gr 4-6
Experience & Bio:
This is Jacobs 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 twice medaled at the U19 Canadian Championships and also won two Junior Canadian Championships. Liisa medaled at the 2010 Cadet Pan-American Championships and also represented Canada at the 2012 and 2013 Junior World Championships.