A large contingent of wrestlers from Cochrane and the Calgary area are expected for the Cochrane Cowboys' first tournament of the year.

It kicks off tonight, Fri. Jan. 12, with a clinic led by three-time world team member Tianna Kennett from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. at the RockPointe Church, 255024 Lochend Rd. 

Tomorrow's Gladiator Plumbing Winter Classic, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., focuses on the tyke, novice and kid age groups as categorized by Alberta Amateur Wrestling Association (AAWA) so youth ages 5 to 12 years can participate.

 The Cowboys only begin training kids at age 7, but there are tyke wrestlers (born 2010-12) in many of the Calgary Clubs and surrounding communities

"Tournaments for these young ones are infrequent so we hope to give the little ones an opportunity to show their stuff," explains club communications officer Rhonda Carr.

Weigh-in took place Thursday night for the tournament.

During the Winter Classic, there will be food onsite, a 50-50 draw and raffle items up for grabs that will be appealing to the age group of the wrestlers attending.

A great group of adult volunteers and older club members will be coming out to help score, keep and time and do set up and take down.

Several more clinics and "Cowboys Show mini-tournaments" will be held from January to March as the club continues to expand its offerings to local youth.