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, Erin Thiessen, Joe Loucks
Liisa Wainman, Dan Illichmann |
juliandipalma@gmail.com 778-678-1014 |
|
Senior Gr 8-12 |
Al McAvena, Ethan Kohlen, 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 SD #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 with SD #23 and Senior program. Michael is a former U Sports Championship medalist.
Ethan Kohlen - Senior Club Coach
Accreditation:
- TBD
Experience & Bio
This is Ethan's sixth year with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association and first year helping with with SD #23 and Senior program.
Julian Di Palma - 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 nine years. This is his third year coaching with the club.
Jacob Wall - Junior Club Coach - Gr 4-7
Accreditation:
- TBD
Experience & Bio:
This is Jacob's sixth year with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association and fourth year helping with the Junior program. Jacob is a past provincial medalist.
Erin Thiessen - Junior Club Coach - Gr 4-7
Accreditation:
- TBD
Experience & Bio
This is Erin's first year coaching with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association. Erin is a former Simon Fraser University wrestler.
Joe Loucks - Junior Club Coach - Gr 4-7
Accreditation:
- NCCP - Community Sport - Kids Wrestling
Experience & Bio
This is Joe's first year coaching with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association. Joe has 15 years of coaching experience in Calgary which includes National Championships. Joe is a past provincial medalist, as well as a team captain while at University of Calgary.
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.
Dan Illichmann - Junior Club Coach - Gr K-3
Accreditation:
- TBD
Experience & Bio
This is Dan's thirteenth year with the Central Okanagan Wrestling Association and first year helping with the Junior program. Dan is a past national medalist.