Cobra Wrestling was started in 2005 by August Manz. The goal was to provide kids, primarily in the west end an opportunity to wrestle where the cost of wrestling was reasonable, to provide solid coaching and to support the Wilson and TJ wrestling programs. At the time there was no wrestling program in the west end and the Wilson and TJ wrestling programs were suffering because of it. As time went on, club participation has grown. We now have kids from all over the community including from outlying area such as Omaha, Avoca, Blair and Glenwood to name a few. As we look toward the future, and expand our reach, we welcome wrestlers from all over southwest Iowa and beyond in an effort to help improve wrestling for all schools in Council Bluffs and Southwest Iowa. Thank-you for your support of the Cobra Optimist Wrestling Club.

Rich Bartholomew, longtime coach and father of three active kids brought the idea for COBRA to Alan Byers, C.B. Fire Chief and Ed Kermoade, a teacher and coach at Wilson Jr. High. The first meeting of COBRA volunteers was held in Nov. of 1997 and brought together several pro-active youth sports and community leaders including Mark Brooks, Randy Smith, and Marty Brooks. At this meeting the foundation, goals, and mission of COBRA started taking shape based on the original concept that "every child should have the opportunity to play regardless of the cost." Upon receiving non-profit status, COBRA was on its way. An initial family membership fee of $5 registered kids of grades 3-8 into COBRA. Each child and parent is responsible to participate in fundraisers and community service projects throughout the year. The current cost is $15 annual family participation fee and includes sports programs all year long. Teams were put together with coaches from our original 50 kids and put in various leagues throughout the city. COBRA pays for fees, uniform and equipment costs. The number of COBRA participants has continued to grow over the years to our current 250. In the fall of 2005 COBRA proudly joined “Optimist International” and changed our name to the COBRA Optimist Club of Council Bluffs. We are the same great club and even more dedicated to fulfilling our mission. Our motto has always been and always will be, "For the Kids"

Parent Do's & Don't

Don't impose your ambitions or expectations on your child. Remember that wrestling is your child's activity. Improvements and progress occur at different rates for each individual.
Don't judge your child's progress based on the performance of other athletes and don't push them based on what you think they should be doing.
Be supportive no matter what. There is only one question to ask your child, "Did you have fun?" If meets and practices are not fun you should not force them to participate.
If at all possible, do not coach your child. Your job is to support, love and hug your child no matter what. Conflicting advice and criticism work against the coach's efforts and only serve to confuse and de-motivate your child. If you feel you have the experience and ability to contribute to the club as a coach, volunteer your services through the proper channels. Get involved. Your club needs your help and support. Attend parent and club meetings to find out how you can help.
Most importantly, show your child that you care by attending as many meets and tournaments as possible. Acknowledge your child's fears. Their opponents appear to be much more intimidating through their eyes than through the eyes of a grown-up. Consider their perspective and don't expect them to compete with the confidence and mental toughness of a seasoned expert.

Wrestler Responsibilities

Be a student of the sport. Wrestlers should focus on being students of the sport. In school if the wrestler doesn't study he will fail the test, likewise if the wrestler doesn't learn the techniques shown in practice he will lose the match. Coaches should emphasize the importance of being a student of the sport at every opportunity.
Be a good practice partner. If the wrestler doesn't practice the moves being shown not only will the wrestler not learn, but the wrestler's practice partner will not learn. Wrestlers need to learn the correct aggressiveness/resistance to use when practicing technique and wrestling live. Having a good practice partner is paramount to improving the wrestler's abilities.
Have good sportsmanship. Coaches and spectators should not be able to determine if the wrestler won or lost a match by the handshake alone. Wrestlers should not gloat when winning or throw tantrums when losing. Wrestlers should understand that crying during a wrestling match is not only bad sportsmanship but bad technique. One instance of bad sportsmanship by the wrestler during a match can negate an otherwise successful day of wrestling by the team.
Respect coaches and teammates. If the wrestler doesn't show respect towards the coaches and teammates he will not be a student of the sport, a good practice partner, or have good sportsmanship. There should be no back-talk to coaches or harassment of teammates. The wrestler's lack of respect can spread and infect an entire wrestling room if not dealt with immediately. The wrestler must know that it is a privilege to be in the wrestling room, not a right, and the privilege can be taken away at anytime to protect the whole of the team.