The Cochrane Cowboys Wrestling Club is holding an orientation day this Sunday (Sept. 29), followed by three try-it days that begin next Tuesday.
Team manager April Hooper says they've had over 30 new families express interest in attending orientation day on Sunday afternoon from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the SLS Centre, and more are welcome to come learn what the club is all about.
In addition, Try-It events are being held on Oct. 1, 3 and 6. The Tuesday and Thursday sessions begin at 5:30 p.m. and the Sunday session begins at 2:45 p.m. Participants will receive a small gift from the club.
"We're really encouraging people to just give it a try," says Hooper. "I think it's really hard for kids, especially young kids, to really know what wrestling can be and we just want to get as many kids as a can exposed to it and hopefully loving it."
"Lots of the kids will see and be able to meet the returning athletes and be encouraged and supported. It's such a great group, and everyone is so welcoming."
There's been a renewed interest in the sports, especially in the minis (ages 7 to 12) that's been aided by the establishment of a wrestling program at the Holy Spirit School. St. Timothy High School continues to have a vibrant wrestling program.
"If any of those kids in the school programs need extra practice or want to check out what it's like being a club member, we're more than happy to welcome them on the mats and I think that's helped to grow our program and I'm really excited to see all these new faces on Sunday."
The Cowboys call the SLS Centre home.
Vaughn Gandy is the new head coach. His passion for the sports started in a high school gym class in 2003. From here, he joined his school team and continued to compete over the next decade with Rebels Wrestling, Diefenbaker Chiefs, Junior Dinos, University of Calgary Varsity, and Junior Nationals Team.
The Cowboys are well respected in the wrestling world and have produced a number of top-ranked provincial, national and international competitors over the years. Many have gone on to excel at the post-secondary level. Most recently, three Cowboy alumnus medalled at the USports National Wrestling Championship last season. Another represented Canada at the Worlds.
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The Cowboys pride themselves on being an all-inclusive, nationally ranked, dedicated team of wrestlers. Their goal is to grow responsible athletes who above all respect others, know the value of hard work, teamwork, and dedication, and who model honour and sportsmanship.
You can learn more about the Cowboys here.