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Owen Dawkins

Head Coach

Years of Coaching 20 + years
Currently Studying, Graduate in and/or and Career Goals
  • UAlberta Alumni with a Bachelor of Physical Education and Secondary Education Degree
  • Head Wrestling Coach for the University Of Alberta Golden Bears and Pandas Team (2009-Present)
Coaching Philosophy First I want to say that my coaching philosophy is one that is always evolving, however, I think creating an environment that is relaxed and conducive to learning is important. In addition the athlete needs to be aware of the standards and behaviors that all of the coaches and athletes are prepared to accept to help create the optimal learning environment.

The athlete needs to be given the opportunity to develop his/her skill level in a structured learning environment that constantly challenges the athlete whilst providing both encouragement and support. Each athlete needs to develop their core skills constantly to provide them with a solid base as they progress in their sport. The athlete will benefit when exposed to challenging drills that require effective decision making and precise execution under pressure. The repetitiveness of these varied drills during practice helps develop competency and confidence in the athlete.

When dealing with highly motivated and committed athletes the level of individual communication is of most importance, giving your athletes the opportunity to provide input to help deliver the program that is specific to their Needs. I believe if you can set some short term goals in consultation with the athlete, this will provide them with direction and motivation that will help to keep them on task.

Finally, the coach needs to demonstrate effective leadership by maintaining the desired standards of behavior within the group that will instill confidence in all athletes knowing that their welfare and development is most critical.

Notable Wrestling Accomplishments Wrestling Accomplishments

  • 16 x Canadian Championship Medallist
  • 3 x Canada West University Champion
  • CIS University Champion
  • CIS University Bronze Medallist
  • Pan American Silver Medallist
  • World University Championships 4th

Coaching Accomplishments

  • 3 x CIS/U-Sports Coach of the Year
  • 12 x Canada West Coach of the Year
  • 1 x OuA Coach of the Year
  • University of Alberta Coach of the Year

Melvin Arciaga

Lead Coach (4-6 year olds)

Years of Coaching 8 years
Currently Studying, Graduate in and/or and Career Goals
Graduated from the UofA with a Bachelor of Kinesiology with a major in Sports Performance
Owner/Trainer of Kinective Personal Training
Coaching Philosophy
Throughout my years of coaching whether it be on the wrestling mat or weight room, I have come to realize that the culture a coach creates is a big factor that allows an athlete to be successful. It is my duty to ensure that the culture I create for the team allows every athlete to thrive and become the best version of themselves.
I can never define what my team culture is because it’s not a definable word, it’s a feeling. The feeling of a great team culture to me is: feeling comfortable to try new things without fear of failure, feeling like the athlete belongs amongst their teammates, feeling free to express themselves without judgement, and feeling respected so they can give respect back.
Wrestling is an unbelievably difficult sport and hard work ethic is a necessity. However, when athletes feel they are a part of a great team culture, the hard work does not feel so hard anymore.
Notable Wrestling Accomplishments
  • 3 x Canada West Champion
  • 2 x Academic All Canadian
  • 3 x CIS National Medallist
  • Golden Bears Wrestling MVP 2016/17
  • 2 x Most Outstanding Alberta Junior Male Wrestler
  • Canada West’s Rookie of the Year 2014

Jenna Petryna

Lead Coach (4-6 year olds)

Years of Coaching 3 years
Currently Studying, Graduate in and/or and Career Goals
Coaching Philosophy  To develop a style that expresses your creativity and have fun with it!

Elias Wile

Lead Coach (7-11 year olds)

Years of Coaching 5 years
Currently Studying, Graduate in and/or and Career Goals Currently enrolled in Bachelor of Kinesiology/Bachelor of Education combined degree
Coaching Philosophy My coaching philosophy is that in order to excel at the sport of wrestling it must be enjoyed at a young age. My goal while coaching is to teach children the basics of wrestling, which will help them to excel at all levels of the sport. Once basics are understood I allow creativity and guide children to develop new skills independently. Through doing this children are able to be creative in their style of wrestling, while also enjoying the sport which is essential for development.
Notable Wrestling Accomplishments
  • Nova Scotia Provincial Champion
  • 2x Matmen Invitational Champion
  • Multiple University Medalist

Aidan Stevenson

Lead Coach (7-11 year olds)

Years of Coaching 5 years
Currently Studying, Graduate in and/or and Career Goals Currently in my 3rd year pursuing a bachelor of arts in recreation, sport and tourism.
Coaching Philosophy
As a coach, I believe that athletes must put in hard work, without sacrificing the enjoyment and fun that makes wrestling worth it. Wrestlers must recognize the goals they have for the sport and give it their all, while still loving it.
Notable Wrestling Accomplishments
  • 2x National Champion
  • Canada Summer Games Champion
  • Francophone Games bronze medalist
  • CanWest Champion
  • 2x World Team member
  • 2x National Team Member
  • Beaumont Cup recipient
  • AAWA Junior Male Athlete of the Year
  • CanWest Outstanding Male Athlete
  • Academic All Canadian

Marcus Peterson

Lead Coach (12-18 year olds)

Years of Coaching 10
Currently Studying, Graduate in and/or and Career Goals Iowa Central Community College AA Degree (2012-14)

Assistant Wrestling Coach for the University of Alberta Golden Bears and Pandas Team (2021-Present)

Personal Trainer

Coaching Philosophy As a coach, my philosophy is one that helps support an athlete into becoming the best that they can be. But even more, to become the best human being that they can possibly be. A person with respect, dignity, morals, ethics, discipline, and one who is willing to lend a helping hand to another in need. In establishing these attributes, individuals will possess abilities to consistently mold with every scenario that is presented in both sports and life.
Notable Wrestling Accomplishments
  • 2x Tulsa Champion
  • Tulsa Runner Up
  • Reno Runner Up
  • 2x Rocky Mountain Series Champion
  • Who’s Bad National Championships: 2nd place
  • 9x National Team Member
  • 2x Freestyle Northern Plains Nationals Champion
  • Greco Northern Plains Champion
  • 2x Provincial Champion
  • Western Canadian Summer Games Champion
  • 5th Iowa state championships 2011-2012
  • Iowa Central Community College 2013 national qualifier
  • Went to Grand View in Des Moines Iowa and was part of their 3rd, 4th, and 5th National Championships
  • Canada West Champion  2016-2017
  • Canada West Most Valuable Men’s Wrestler 2016-2017
  • U Sport athlete of the week 2017

Coaching Accomplishments:

  • 2x Canada West Championship Bears and Panda’s 2021-2022, 2022-2023
  • U Sports National Panda’s Championship 2022-2023

Isaiah Springer

Lead Coach (12-18 year olds)

Years of Coaching 3 years
Currently Studying, Graduate in and/or and Career Goals Bachelors of Secondary Education
Coaching Philosophy Encourage young athletes to reach their full potential and show them the transferability of skills learned in sport to the real world.
Notable Wrestling Accomplishments U Sport Bronze Medalist
U19 National Bronze Medalist
CanWest Silver Medalist