Former Palmer High wrestling coach returns for camp

June 24, 2007

By MATT TUNSETH/ Frontiersman

PALMER - Before he helped turn the University of California Davis wrestling program into a national power, Lennie Zalesky was one of the top high school coaches in Alaska. Over the past weekend, Zalesky returned to the Valley to reconnect with the Mat-Su wrestling community during a week-long visit that culminated in a wrestling camp at Academy Charter School in Palmer.

&#8220In some ways, it feels like I never left,” Zalesky said during a break at the camp.

Zalesky coach the Palmer Moose to a state title in 1996 before moving on to the college ranks. In eight years at the California school, he's taken the Aggies from doormat to one of the top teams in the Pacific 10 Conference.

Last season, Zalesky was named the Division I Coach of the Year, and one of his wrestlers, Derek Moore, was honored as the top individual collegiate grappler in the nation after winning an NCAA title at 141 pounds.

Current Palmer assistant coach Don Malone said Zalesky's return to the area has meant a lot to those who still keep in touch with the former Palmer head coach.

&#8220It's like he's coming home,” Malone said Saturday.

In addition to putting on the camp, Zalesky and three of his athletes - Moore, Tyler Bernacchi and Ken Cook - also spent some time wrestling in a few fish. Zalesky also found time to attend a wedding.

&#8220It's been a great trip,” he said.

Moore, a native of Redding, Calif., said the group traveled to Whittier for halibut fishing before spending a few days fishing in the Valley.

&#8220It's been lots of fun,” Moore said. &#8220We've been salmon fishing pretty much every day.”

Zalesky said the chance to expose his wrestlers to Alaska was part of the reason he decided to put on the camp.

&#8220I think a big kick for them is getting to do the things that are indigenous to Alaska,” he said.

While the trip back to the Valley might have included plenty of time for some R-and-R, Zalesky and his wrestlers got down to business when it came time to begin the camp.

Roughly 20 wrestlers from as far away as North Pole attended the camp, which focused mainly on teaching campers basic fundamentals with an emphasis on solid technique.

&#8220We try to focus on the techniques we use at our level that are basic, not difficult to learn and that these guys can use in their wrestling,” Zalesky said.

Malone said the chance for young wrestlers to learn from a coach of Zalesky's caliber is a huge opportunity.

&#8220It's about the best there is,” Malone said.

Palmer wrestler Chris Bailey will be a sophomore next year for the Moose. He said the camp has definitely made him a better wrestler.

&#8220I've learned loads of new techniques,” he said. &#8220There's ton of stuff I've learned that I'm going to use next year.”

While Zalesky said his return to Alaska has been an enjoyable experience, he's not sure how soon he'll be able to return. Coaching a Division I program is a full-time job that calls for constant attention to detail.

&#8220We're pretty serious at our level,” he said. &#8220It's an intense business.”

At this point, he said he's not sure he'll be able to return next year - but said that this summer's trip has definitely made him entertain the idea of making the camp a regular event.

&#8220For sure,” he said. &#8220I love it up here.”

Contact Matt Tunseth at 352-2265 or matt.tunseth@frontiersman.com