About Us

The mission of the Council Bluffs Recreational Association (COBRA) is to provide affordable athletic
opportunities to the children of Council Bluffs. COBRA will promote parental involvement, and foster
community service and civic pride through participation in local charitable and civic endeavors.
Opportunities will be offered to children regardless of economic background and athletic ability. We believe
that any child wishing to play should not be left on the sidelines because of finances.

A combination of participation fees, fundraising and donations from individuals, businesses and civic
organizations provide the funding for COBRA to operate. Our fundraising throughout the years has featured a
golf tournament, jump rope-a-thon, raffles, street dances, basketball tournament, wrestling, and more. The
generous support of local businesses and area schools also make it possible for us to continue to grow.
COBRA is registered in the state of Iowa as a non-profit organization and is proud to announce our charted
membership of Optimist International. As an Optimist club, we are also a 501c3 federal tax status
organization. Donations made to Optimist International in care of COBRA Optimist Club of Council Bluffs are
tax deductible.

Rich Bartholomew, longtime coach and father of three active kids brought the idea for COBRA to Alan Byers,
CB Fire Chief and Ed Kermoade, a teacher and coach at Woodrow Wilson Jr. High. The first meeting of
COBRA volunteers was held in November 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 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 350.

In the fall of 2005 two things happened, 1. COBRA proudly joined "Optimist International" and changed our
name to the COBRA Optimist Club of Council Bluffs. 2. Wrestling was added as part of the COBRA activities.
August Manz started the wrestling program in 2005 with about 35 wrestlers and it has grown to well over a
100 today. 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".

In 2005 August Manz brought up the idea of a wrestling club representing the Council Bluffs Community
School District to the Cobra Optimist Club of Council Bluffs. With their long history of supporting youth
activities it was a good match. So, in the fall of 2005 the Cobra Optimist Club of Council Bluffs Wrestling
Club was formed. The first year there were about 35 wrestlers and 3 coaches. Today, the Cobra Wrestling
Club now consists of 8 coaches and over a 100 wrestlers.