Wrestling legend returns

June 19, 2007

By MATT TUNSETH/Frontiersman

PALMER - Lennie Zalesky, who coached Palmer High to a state championship during the 1995-96 season, is back in the Valley to help coach the current crop of area grapplers.

Zalesky currently serves as the head coach at the University of California Davis, where last year he was named the NCAA Division I Coach of the Year. On Thursday, Zalesky and two of his wrestlers will put on their &#8220Intensive Technique” wrestling camp at the Academy Charter School Gym in Palmer.

Camp organizer Don Malone, an assistant coach at Palmer, said he ran into Zalesky last year at the Reno Tournament of Champions. There, they got reacquainted and the idea of hosting a camp in the Valley was born.

&#8220We ended up in the same gym,” Malone said.

One thing led to another, and soon Zalesky was planning a return.

&#8220It just unfolded nicely for us,” Malone said.

As a wrestler, Zalesky was a three-time All-American who went on to coach with legendary Iowa coach Dan Gable.

Along with Zalesky will be a two of the nation's top collegiate wrestlers, 141-pounder Derek Moore and 174-pounder Ken Cook. Moore was recently named Division I Most Outstanding Wrestler, while Cook is the nation's fourth-ranked wrestler at 174 pounds. Both claimed Pac-10 titles last season for the Aggies.

Malone said the camp is an ideal opportunity for area wrestlers to get a chance to work with some of the best in the business.

&#8220We like to keep kids interested in wrestling here in the Valley, and this is a good way to do that,” he said.

Spots in the camp, which will run Thursday through Sunday and is open to wrestlers in grades 6 through 12, are still available. Cost is $300 for individuals or $250 each for teams of eight or more.

Malone said anyone interested in participating can visit www.palmermoose.com or call him at 244-8482.

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

frontiersman.com