Tom McManus is entering his fourth season at the helm of the TRU WolfPack women’s soccer team. He writes a news letter on a regular basis during the course of the season

It doesn’t seem that long ago we were flying back from the nationals in P.E.I. and looking forward to a bit of a break.  The players were happy but disappointed that we didn’t medal but we are all focused for the upcoming year.  2013 we are hoping will once again be a strong WolfPack season.

Recruiting has gone very well and even though we have lost three players to graduation, there are a few others who have decided to travel for a year.  The recruits that have come in are strong, quality players.  They have come into training\tryout camp fit and ready to win a position on the team.  They know as do all of our vets that no one has a position on the team and you have to prove yourself in order to be on the team.  Even though we have won the PACWEST two years in a row.

Coach McManus after a match (Allan Douglas photo)

Training camp started up on August 12^th with two sessions a day, the first session being fitness testing.  The weather has once again been very hot here so we decided to get together the next morning at 7:00am and do the aerobic testing, which was a 1600 meter run in 7:00 minutes, followed by a five minute rest and then another 1600 meter run in 7:15.  I am very pleased to say that this year’s group is the fitess group over the past couple of season.  We had some excellent times and the bar has now been set very high. 

The second session of the day was an intra squad game.  We split up the players and let them play a full 90 minute game.  The game was very good for a long time and then the tired legs started to take their toll and the game slipped away a bit.  I was happy in the overall play and it is going to be difficult to select the players to be on the squad this year.

Keepers coach Danilo Caron with two of this years recruits

Danilo Caron, Natasha Little and I have a huge job ahead of us.

Athletic Therapist Kevin Brechin

The next two days were similar with testing being done followed by a game.  On Wednesday we did the Agility testing and then the Sprint testing.  Once again the legs were exhausted at the end of it.  The game later that day was good but the morning session was wearing on the players so we reduced the time in the game to two 35 minute halves.  Thursday was a day off and I am sure the players all appreciate it.  They were asked to make sure they stretched and to also go out for a run in order to keep the legs ready for Friday.

Kevin Brechin, has been out and is taking care of the players who have strains and as always makes himself available to our players for all of the physio needs.

Tomorrow we will only train once and that will be at 3:00 to 5:00 on the Hillside Turf and then over the weekend we will also train once a day.

We are all excited and looking forward to the rest of training camp and a couple of exhibition games before starting our season on September 7^th at home.  That is going to be Alumni Day with presentations being made to the players who won the nationals a few years ago.  We are hoping for a large crowd to help us kick off our season.

I will write more in a few days.

Tom McManus, Head Coach

TRU WolfPack Womens Soccer

The WolfPack men’s soccer team had a tough outing against the CIS University of Fraser Valley Cascades on Saturday (Aug 17). Less than 24 hours after having fitness testing to kick off their training camp, the WolfPack were pitted against a Cascades club which had a week of practice under their belt. The result was a 7-0 UFV victory. Here are shots from the game courtesy of Allen Douglas of the Kamloops This Week and Sports Information Officer Larry Read.

Posted with Permission of Kamloops Daily News

By MARK HUNTER Daily News Sports Reporter

The start of the TRU WolfPack men’s soccer team’s training camp isn’t really a start at all – it’s more of a continuation.

The WolfPack officially opened camp Friday night with fitness testing at Hillside Stadium, and won’t waste any time opening the preseason, with a game scheduled for today, 3:30 p.m., against the Fraser Valley Cascades at Exhibition Park. TRU will open the Pacific Western Athletic Association regular season on Sept. 7 against the visiting Capilano Blues.

The start of training camp is usually an exciting time for an athlete, regardless of the sport. But the WolfPack has been working all summer toward this, with most of its players suiting up for the Pacific Coast League’s Kamloops Heat.

That’s why some were treating Friday’s testing like any old practice.

WolfPack co head coach John Antulov (Andrew Snucins photo)

“Being able to keep the guys together all summer was good, and hopefully we can just continue to build from there,” said WolfPack co-coach John Antulov, who works alongside Sean Wallace. “It’s good because most of the guys are ready to go.”

The conference season isn’t very long, with 14 games spread over two months. Because only four teams make the playoffs, there isn’t a lot of room for error.

With that in mind, Antulov and Wallace had the players working all summer with the Heat, which finished fourth in the PCSL’s Premier Division. The goal was to have the players prepared for the start of the season.

Corey wallis with the Heat (Allen Douglas photo)

“We have a few new players coming in, but this is basically a continuation,” said third-year defender Corey Wallis. “We’re trying to build off . . . a really productive summer.”

The Heat’s season ended in July, and the team was back on the field to finish second in the competitive division at the Kamloops Invitational Soccer Tournament on August-long weekend.

Corey Wallis two years ago vs Quest (Andrew Snucins photo)

After two weeks away and only three weeks before the regular season, the WolfPack has a busy schedule ahead.

It will practise three times next week, before an exhibition game with the UBC Thunderbirds in Vancouver on Saturday. More practices the following week will run into exhibition games in Prince George against the UNBC Timberwolves on Aug. 30 and 31.

Although there are around 30 players out with the WolfPack, the coaches know what they have – most of these players have been together for years.

“We’re confident with the guys we have,” Antulov said. “The familiarity, with all the players having been together for a few years, that means a lot. You can have all the talent in the world but if the guys don’t work together and they don’t get along, you won’t go very far.”

Justin Smeaton before his last match with co coaches Antulov (left) and Sean Wallace (right) (Allen Douglas photo)

The WolfPack only lost four players off the team that took provincial bronze last season – Justin Smeaton graduated, Colton Walker and Peter Loncar haven’t returned, and Austin Schneebeli is out long-term with a knee injury.

Colton Walker wont be back this year (Robert Clark photo)

Adding to the strong crop of returning players are midfielder Justin Wallace and Braeden Burrows, who are back with TRU.

Justin Wallace with the Heat this summer (Allan Douglas photo)

Wallace, the conference rookie of the year in 2010, left the WolfPack to play with the Simon Fraser Clan in 2011 and 2012. Sean’s oldest son, Justin was the NCAA Division II conference newcomer of the year in 2011 and helped SFU into the NCAA Division II final in 2012.

Braeden Burrows vs VIU (Devon Lindsay photo)

Burrows, a 2011 conference all-star, missed 2012 with a knee injury, but can play either defence or midfield, both of which look to be strengths for TRU.

“It’s going to be a very good year for us,” Wallis said. “With Justin Wallace back, that’s huge.

“We’re taking the core group from this summer, and taking it into the (conference) season. That’s really going to help.”

This will be the WolfPack’s last season in the Pacific Western conference, a college league based in B.C. TRU is moving into the CIS’s Canada West conference in 2014, jumping to Canada’s top league.

Wallis feels TRU might have something to prove to the rest of the CIS.

“This will be a good stepping-stone for us into the CIS,” said the Enderby native. “We want to get our name out there – not a lot of the CIS teams know of the (Pacific Western) universities that play soccer.

“Winning a championship will give notice to the rest of the CIS schools that we can compete.”

mhunter@kamloopsnews.ca

They may be just a week into their training camp but the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s soccer program is close to finalizing its roster. The two time defending PACWEST champions opened camp on Monday August 12 th with two –a-day workouts.

WolfPack head coach Tom McManus (Andrew Snucins photo)

Coach Tom McManus has reduced it to one workout a day and says things are proceeding nicely. “ We have had an excellent week at camp, other than the wind every day.” He jokes that it would have made great preparation for the 2012 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Nationals in Prince Edward Island, where it was windy every day. “ It was a good week,” he adds.  “ The players were sharp.”

McManus says the ‘Pack are two players away from finalizing their 2013 squad.  “That is great as now the players are competing to be on the 18 player travel squad and then the starting 11.”

Courtney Daly (Andrew Snucins photo)

The fitness level of the players vying for a spot on the team has been something that the coach has been impressed with as he enters his fourth year at the helm of the program.  

Alanna Bekkering at CCAA Nationals in PEI (Bernard photo)

McManus singles out a number of veterans for their efforts in week one. “ Courtney Daly (2^nd year, Kamloops, BC) has been excellent along with Bronwyn Crawford (3^rd year, Kamloops, BC), Alanna Bekkering (5^th year, Kamloops, BC),  Marlie Rittinger (2^nd year, Ashcroft,BC), Kelsey Martin (2^nd year, Kamloops, BC) and Olivia Rasmussen (2^nd year, Kamloops, BC).

WolfPack rookie Megan Baird

Rookies garnering praise form the head coach have been Megan Baird (Cloverdale, BC) and Katie Harding (Salmon Arm, BC).  “ All players are making our jobs to make final decisions very hard,” McManus adds.

The WolfPack will again work out once a day for the rest of the week. Their first pre-season action doesn’t come up until Saturday, August 31 st when they play host to the CIS University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves at Hillside Stadium. Kick off is  5 pm.

Thompson Rivers opens up its 2013 PACWEST season on Saturday, September 7 th at Hillside against Capilano University.   Kick off is 1 pm. It is alumni day where there will be special events honoring players who have worn the Cariboo College/University College of the Cariboo/TRU uniform in the past.   Alumni are being asked to pre register by contacting Kelley O’ Grady in Alumni Services at kogrady@tru.ca.

This is the WolfPack’s final year in the CCAA and PACWEST. They will move to CIS and Canada West play in 2014.

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer program kicked off their 2013 training camp with little time to breathe. The PACWEST club held fitness training on Friday (Aug 16) and promply went into an exhibition match with the University of Fraser Valley Cascades on Saturday (Aug 17).

Sean Wallace -WolfPack co head coach (Andrew Snucins photo)

“It is always good to get the guys into camp and see where our starting point is fitness and talent wise,” said WolfPack co head coach Sean Wallace. “ We knew that we didn’t have a lot of positions to fill and we think we have done that in the first weekend. It was a different setting with an exhibition match on the second day of training camp.  It did give us an opportunity to get players into a real game situation and see what they can do. We were rotating a lot of guys in different positions and it put us at a bit of a disadvantage at times. We do have to remember the process and that our goal is to be the strongest team we can come opening day vs Capilano University.”

Ashley Raynes vs Capilano (Allen Douglas photo)

The WolfPack fell 7-0 to Fraser Valley in that exhibition match, but had a number of players including PACWEST all-stars Ashley Raynes (Manchester, UK) and Nolan Wallace (Kamloops, BC) out of the lineup.  “We aren’t trying to make excuses,” says Coach Wallace, “But having four starters out did make a difference but we did feel we had enough talent to compete against Fraser Valley.”

Braeden Burrows in action vs Douglas College in 2010 (Andrew Snucins photo)

Other players on the mend because of injury were Braeden Burrows and Kyle Fertile (both Kamloops, BC).  They are expected to be back by the PACWEST Season opener on September 7 th.

Kyle Fertile in action last year against Quest (Robert Clark photo)

The WolfPack have about 24 players left in camp. They were slated to play the CIS UBC Thunderbirds on Saturday (Aug 24), but have now postponed it.

Thompson Rivers will continue workouts this week—but at Exhibition Park.  They have had to move because of the BC Seniors Games taking over Hillside Stadium.

THROW INS:  The WolfPack’s home opener against the Capilano University Blues is also alumni day. There will be some special events honoring past players and their families.  More information by emailing Kelley O’ Grady in Alumni Services: Kogrady@tru.ca .  Kick off on September 7 th is 3:15 pm at Hillside Stadium.  This will be the final year for the WolfPack in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association and PACWEST. They will move to the CIS and Canada West play in 2014.

The “Friends of Errol Wild Society” are holding a Memorial Golf Tournament on Friday September 6 th at Eagle Point. Entry is $125.00 per person or $500.00 for a team of four. Included in the entry fee are all course fees, golf cart and a dinner to be held at the Eagle Point club house.  To register or for more information, please contact Dino Bernardo at D_Bernardo@hotmail.com or (250)371-1748.

This is a big week for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack golf team and for those wanting to be a part of the program in 2013.

Chase Broadfoot looks at his drive at the PACWEST tourney last year at the Dunes (Robert Clark photo)

The WolfPack and head coach Bill Bilton Junior have their final open tryouts and and their annual Coquihalla Challenge against the University of the Fraser Valley.

Last year’s open tryout

Thompson Rivers enters the open tryout phase looking for no less than three male players and one female as they look to field both a full men’s and women’s squad in 2013.

WolfPack head coach Bill Bilton Junior (Robert Clark photo)

“The open try out will be Tuesday through to Thursday starting at 11 am,” says Bilton Junior, who has been at the helm of the program since its return to TRU in 2008. “ There will be a cut after two rounds. The player we are looking for is good on and off the course. He or she should be willing to step up and do community events in the off season and help with the program’s fundraising.”

(photo by Robert Clark)

The Coquihalla Challenge is set for the weekend of August 31 and September 1st. It is match play.
Again this year, “The Dunes in Kamloops” will be the home course for the WolfPack. The PACWEST regular season begins September 7 th.

WolfPack women’s soccer head coach Tom McManus, CCAA All-Canadian and PACWEST MVP Alanna Bekkering and WolfPack men’s soccer assistant coach Adam Dodgson were on hand at McArthur Island on Saturday Aug 24). They presented medals to the winners at the BC Seniors Games. Photos courtesy of Karla Karicioglu.

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer team is putting the capper on their short 2013 pre season.

The WolfPack, who finished third in 2012 in the PACWEST league, will be heading north to Prince George BC. They will be taking on the Canada West University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves in matches Friday and Saturday (Aug 30-31).

WolfPack co head coach John Antulov (Andrew Snucins photo)

“They are a CIS squad so they should be  tough,” said WolfPack co head coach John Antulov.  “ From a coaching perspective, we will use these games to fine tune for the upcoming season.”

Ashley Raynes was a PACWEST all-star last season (Andrew Snucins photo)

Antulov says its nice to have all of his players back in Kamloops for workouts this week.. “ we have all our injured and  players who were out of town working back now.  We have so many returning players that there hasn’t been that many real surprises so far.

Nolan Wallace: the 2012 PACWEST Rookie of the Year is Back (Andrew Snucins photo)

UNBC is entering its second season in the CIS.  After finishing in the basement their first year, Antulov figures the Timberwolves should be vastly improved. ‘ Alan Alderson has had a full year to recruit so we are assuming they will be much stronger and the matches will be difficult.”

Corey Wallis is expected to be solid on the back line (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack will open their 2013 PACWEST season on Saturday September 7 th against the Capilano University Blues. Kick off is 3:15 pm.

Fans of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s soccer team will get a chance to see the 2013 version a lot this holiday weekend. The two time defending PACWEST champions will play their only exhibition matches of the year on Saturday and Sunday( Aug 31 and Sept 1).

The  WolfPack will meet up with the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves  of Prince George, BC.   The Timberwolves  play out of the Canada West—a place where the WolfPack will be next year.

WolfPack head coach Tom McManus (Andrew Snucins photo)

“I am looking forward to seeing the girls up against UNBC,” says WolfPack head coach Tom McManus, the two time PACWEST coach of the year.  “We have had some intrasquad games which have looked good but the real thing is the real thing. UNBC is going to come out very hard against us. “

McManus is hoping that the two matches will set the stage for a rivalry next year. “ UNBC, when  they were in the college league with us, we had some good matches.  I believe it is going to be a good rivalry. We already have one with UBCO so this will make things even better.”

Former player Natasha Little has joined the program as an Associate Coach (Andrew Snucins photo)

“I  am looking for quality in passing,” the WolfPack coach says as far as expectations go for the matches. “ That and possession play and a lot of goals. It is something every coach hopes for. “

McManus says for a lot of his players: It is trial by fire with the PACWEST season and home opener a week later (Sept 7) against the Capilano University Blues.

Megan Baird of Cloverdale, BC is one of the top recruits this year for TRU (Andrew Snucins photo)

“What I have told the players this week is that we were starting how the season unfolds.  We trained Tuesday through Thursday with set plays for Friday. The girls have to get used to it.”

Alanna Bekkering is the only fifth year player on the WolfPack this year. She was a CCAA All-Canadian in 2012 (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack have a lot of veterans back.  McManus says they are ahead of the game in the area of cohesiveness. “ They have got along great. The Seniors have been  outstanding—Laura Smylie (150 Mile House, BC), Bronwyn Crawford  and Alanna Bekkrering (Kamloops, BC). They are such great people that they take every body in and made the rookies  feel good.”

The Timberwolves were winless in their initial CIS season: losing nine and tying three.  Three of their losses were in double digits.

Terri Publicover of Whitehorse was a red shirt last year but made the 25 person roster this year (Andrew Snucins photo)

TRU has formed their 25 person roster and features  14 returnees along with two others—Emily Oliver (Kamloops, BC) and Terri Publicover (Whitehorse, YK)  who were red shirts last season.

Shalayna Isakson is one of three keepers with TRU this year (Andrew Snucins photo)

Match times are 5 pm on Saturday and 2 pm on Sunday at Hillside Stadium.

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer team opened up a two match exhibition series in Prince George the right way. The WolfPack, members of the PACWEST took down the host University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves, members of the Canada West 2-0.

The match was played Friday (Aug 30).

WolfPack co head coach Sean Wallace (Andrew Snucins photo)

“It was our first match as a team and I thought we had a lot of positives,” said WolfPack co head coach Sean Wallace.  “ We had a lot of the possession.”

The WolfPack got on the board early on.

Justin Wallace (Andrew Snucins photo)

Justin Wallace (4^th year, forward, Kamloops, BC) took the ball and made a run to the corner. After the UNBC defender kicked it out.  His ensuing corner kick wound up on the head of Dion Gouldsborough (2^nd year, forward, Summerland, BC).

Dion Gouldsborough (Andrew Snucins photo)

Gouldsborough cashed in on the rebound at the eight minute mark.

Kyle Fertile (Andrew Snucins photo)

The other marker for TRU came in the 75 th minute when Wallace again started the play off and beat numerous UNBC defenders to get inside the box where he passed it off to Kyle Fertile (4^th year, midfielder, Kamloops, BC) who made no mistake beating Timberwolves keeper Mitch MacFarlane (Prince George, BC)

Travis Froehlich (Andrew Snucins photo)

Travis Froehlich (3^rd year, keeper, Revelstoke, BC)  went the distance in the nets for TRU.

“He was solid when he had to be,” said Wallace, pointing to a great UNBC chance in the first half when one of their players got behind the WolfPack defence but was stoned point blank by Froehlich.

Oriol Torres vs UNBC (Jessie Olynyk photo)

The team sides play again Saturday (noon).

The WolfPack kick off their PACWEST regular season on Saturday September 7 th when they meet up with the Capilano University Blues.  Kick off is 3:15 pm at Hillside Stadium. It is alumni day…where there will be special ceremonies and events honoring former WolfPack, University College of the Cariboo Sun Demons and Cariboo College Chief players.

It looked like a preseason match for the two time defending PACWEST champion Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s soccer team.  The ‘Pack kicked off a two game weekend series against the CIS University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves  with a 1-1 tie at Hillside Stadium.

WolfPack head coach Tom McManus (Andrew Snucins photo)

“We played well for our first match,” said WolfPack head coach Tom McManus, the two time PACWEST coach of the year.  “ But our shooting was off.”

Marlie Rittinger (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack got the lion’s share of the chances early including a penalty shot in the ninth minute from Marlie Rittinger (2^nd year, midfielder, Ashcroft, BC).  She was stoned by Timberwolves keeper Jordan Hall (3^rd year, Prince George, BC).

Courtney Daly (Andrew Snucins photo)

Hall had to be sharp throughout the contest and made her best saves in the last 10 minutes of the first half point blank by WolfPack forward Courtney Daly (2^nd year, Kamloops, BC) in the 40 minute mark just before the end of the half when PACWEST MVP Alanna Bekkering (5^th year, midfielder, Kamloops, BC) moved into the middle of the park, dished it off to Bronwyn Crawford (4^th year, midfielder, Kamloops, BC) who sent it ahead to Daly who couldn’t get her foot on the ball.

Alanna Bekkering (Andrew Snucins photo)

In the second half,  UNBC took advantage of a rookie laden WolfPack back line. 

Jamie Wheeler (Andrew Snucins photo)

They opened the scoring when Jessica Erickson (1^st year, forward, Prince George,BC) threw the ball in for Tianni Puis (1^st year, midfielder, Prince George, BC).  Her shot fooled WolfPack keeper Jamie Wheeler (3^rd year, Richmond, BC) who couldn’t hold onto the ball.  That goal coming at the 68 th minute.

Erickson had the chance to put the Timberwolves up by two in the 72 nd minute as she broke down the right side but couldn’t get enough power on her kick.

Courtney Daly goes up for header vs UNBC (Andrew Snucins photo)

TRU reinserted Bekkering and Daly late in the contest and it paid off.  

Jaydene Radu (Andrew Snucins photo)

In the 89 th minute, a scramble with Hall out of the goal resulted in the ball coming to Jaydene Radu (3^rd year, forward, Calgary, AB) of the WolfPack in the slot. She fired but it was saved by the UNBC defender.

Bronwyn Crawford was the McDonalds/TRU Bookstore “Leader of the Pack” player of the game (Andrew Snucins photo)

In injury time, Bekkering  streaked down the left side on a brilliant run and it resulted in a corner kick. On that kick, Bekkering put the ball into the far side of the box where Crawford, the McDonalds/TRU Bookstore Leader of the Pack player of the match,  headed the ball.  A hand ball was called in the box, giving TRU a penalty kick with one second left.

Bronwyn Crawford in air vs UNBC (Andrew Snucins photo)

Crawford took it and scored low left hand side of the net.

“It was a good result for us,” said UNBC coach Andy Cameron, whose squad was playing their third pre season tilt. “ After where we finished last year (0-9-3 in the Canada West) we are much improved.

McManus felt one of the strengths on his side in the veteran inside midfield play of Rittinger and Crawford. “ They were both solid throughout.”

Jordi Hamer Jackson (Andrew Snucins photo)

And on his rookie laden line up in the second half, McManus stated: “ I thought Jordi Hamer Jackson (1^st year, defender, Kamloops, BC) and Jodi Hutton (1^st year, sweeper, Kamloops, BC) were superb.  All of the rookies learned today what it takes to play at this level.’

Jodi Hutton (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack and Timberwolves play again Sunday (Sept 1) at Hillside. It’s a 2 pm kick off.

Emily Oliver outsprints UNBC player (Andrew Snucins photo)

Thompson Rivers begins defence of their PACWEST title on Saturday September 7 th at Hillside Stadium. The opposition is the Capilano University Blues.  Game time is 1 pm.  Its Alumni day where former players of the Cariboo College Gold Rush, UCC Sun Demons and WolfPack will be honored.

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer team will enter their final season in the PACWEST on a two game winning streak.
The WolfPack swept a pair of matches from their future Canada West opponent: the University of Northern British Columbia TimberWolves on the weekend. After beating the Timberwolves 2-0 on Friday (Aug 30), the ‘Pack downed the host UNBC squad 3-1 on Saturday (Aug 31).

The WolfPack will join the Timberwolves in Canada West in 2014.

WolfPack co head coach Sean Wallace (Andrew Snucins photo)

“We continued our strong play from yesterday,’ said WolfPack co head coach Sean Wallace. “The opposition pressured us and we got behind early.”

UNBC opened the scoring in the 15 th minute on a chip shot by Cherona Edzerza (Prince George, BC).

Justin Wallace (Andrew Snucins photo)

A minute after that goal, Justin Wallace (4th year, midfield, Kamloops, BC) drove to the UNBC net and was hauled down by the Timberwolves keeper without getting a penalty call.

Kyle Fertile (Andrew Snucins photo)

But in the 24 th minute, Wallace got his revenge. he scored on a tough angled shot after starting and finishing a three way play involving Kyle Fertile (4th year, midfield, Kamloops, BC) and Dion Gouldsborough (2nd year, forward, Summerland, BC)

Corey Wallis vs UFV in pre season (Allen Douglas photo)

.
Then in the 35 th minute, Wallace’s shot hit the cross bar which resulted in a corner kick. On that kick, UNBC tried to clear the ball and Corey Wallis (3rd year, defender, Enderby, BC) scored on what Coach Wallace called a “cracker of a shot” to make it 2-1 at half time.

Dion Goldsborough vs UBCO last year (Robert Clark photo)

In the second half, Gouldborough was hauled down in the box resulting in a penalty kick. Justin Wallace scored his second of the contest to make the final 3-1.

Justin Wallace runs towards sidelines vs UFV

“It was great to get everyone back and the boys are really starting to adapt to our changes,” Sean Wallace said. The WolfPack have decided to play the ball more on the ground. “That is one of our strengths. We hope we have short term success starting next week.”

The WolfPack finish their exhibition season with two wins and a loss against CIS competition. They open their 2013 PACWEST season on Saturday September 7 th. The opponents are the Capilano University Blues. Kick off is 3:15 pm at Hillside Stadium. It is alumni day.

The two time defending PACWEST champion TRU WolfPack women’s soccer team saw their first game action of the 2013 season on Saturday (Aug 31). They played the CIS University of Northern BC Timberwolves to a 1-1 tie at Hillside Stadium.

Here are some images of the match as taken by Sports Information Officer Larry Read.

The WolfPack women’s soccer team wound up an exhibition weekend against the University of Northern BC Timberwolves on Sunday (Sept 1) with a 3-1 victory. Here are some action shots courtesy of Sports Information Officer Larry Read.

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack  will enter the 2013 PACWEST season unbeaten.  The WolfPack got three of a possible four points from a weekend exhibition series with the CIS University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves.  The score on Sunday (Sept 1) at Hillside Stadium was 3-1 for the two time defending PACWEST Champions.

Both head coaches felt that it was a completely different type of game than their match up on Saturday (Aug 31) when the teams played to a 1-1 tie.

WolfPack head coach Tom McManus (Andrew Snucins photo)

“I think it was just having some game time experience under our belt,” said Thompson Rivers’ Tom McManus. “ Yesterday, I played everybody.  Today, I started what I believe will be our 11 starters. In the second half, I put players on to give them some experience.”

“I think the heat and fatigue had something to do with it,” said Timberwolves bench boss Andy Cameron about the different style of play. “  Both teams were a little bit tired and there was less pressure.  But it was good on both sides. We got all of our players in today. That was our objective.”

Nadine Netelenbos (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack took it to the Timberwolves right from the opening whistle. In the 18 th minute,  TRU got on the board. Following a free kick, there was a scramble in front of Timberwolves keeper Kat Hartwig-Clay (3^rd year, Shawinigan Lake, BC).  The ball squirted out where Nadine Netelenbos (2^nd year, midfield, Calgary, AB)  tapped it into the yawning cage.

Netelenbos is a newcomer to the WolfPack after playing NCAA Div II soccer in New Mexico last season.

Alanna Bekkering hits turf vs UNBC (Andrew Snucins photo)

TRU went up 2-0 at the 31 minute mark.  Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association All-Canadian Alanna Bekkering (5^th year, Kamloops, BC) showed why as her great speed left a UNBC defender in her tracks as she broke down the left side.  Hartwig-Clay had no chance.

Megan Baird goes to the air vs UNBC (Andrew Snucins photo)

McManus thought it was a great first half for his team’s possession game. “  That is the way we like to play. That is what we have been working on since training camp.  The girls are doing a great job.”

In the second half, UNBC replaced keepers putting in Jordan Hall (3^rd year, Prince George, BC).  She too was peppered by TRU. 

Katie Sparrow pressures UNBC (Andrew Snucins photo)

Only Katie Sparrow (2^nd year, Kamloops, BC) was able to beat  her in the 60 th minute.

Emily Edmundson (Andrew Snucins photo)

UNBC got their lone goal in the 90 th minute.  A defensive breakdown allowed Sidney Roy (2^nd year, forward, Burnaby, BC) to move in and deke WolfPack keeper Emily Edmundson (4^th year, Kamloops, BC) and had little difficulty putting it home.

The WolfPack got solid performances in this one from their leaders, but other players are starting to pick up their games too.  McManus says those ‘ unsung heroes’ are making their presence felt. “ Everyone is getting along together so well.  They are boosting each other out. The chemistry is great. I think the girls are boosting and encouraging each other to do well.”

The WolfPack now prepare for the PACWEST season opener Saturday September 7 th at 1 pm at Hillside Stadium. The opponent will be the Capilano University Blues.  It is alumni day.

McManus believes they will be ready.  “I am happy how we look. I think we could have dominated again yesterday if we kept our strong players on. But it is training camp and we need to give everyone a look.  I would have liked to see a couple of more goals but we didn’t finish them off.”

The Timberwolves kick off the Canada West season Friday in Abbotsford against the University of Fraser Valley Cascades.

Bronwyn Crawford steps by UNBC defender (Andrew Snucins photo)

Cameron said that he was able to evaluate his entire roster after their four pre season matches. “  I wanted to get some of the extra players on the park. I am pleased on the weekend as a whole.  We need to get our reserve players to press our starters and that’s what I thought we created today.”

Katie Harding shields ball vs UNBC (Andrew Snucins photo)

GOAL KICKS:  The WolfPack rested sweeper Laura Smylie (4^th year, 150 Mile House, BC) and Katie Harding (1^st year, Salmon Arm, BC).

Vanessa Zilkie was named the McDonalds/TRU Bookstore “Leader of the Pack” (Andrew Snucins photo)

Vanessa Zilkie (3^rd year, defender, Kelowna, BC) was the TRU Bookstore/McDonald’s “Leader of the Pack” player of the game.  It was her finest effort since joining TRU.  “  She was all over the place,” said McManus. “ I told her at half time to limit her runs or she would be worn out. She did a great job. She has great speed . I was very proud of her.”

Marlie Rittinger in today’s game (Andrew Snucins photo)

With TRU joining the Canada West next season, Cameron is looking forward to more matches against the WolfPack. “ I hope we do get a rivalry going, “he says. “ I have known Tom for years and I hope we can have a good go at each other.”

The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades captured the 2013 Coquihalla Challenge Golf event held at the Dunes in Kamloops.

The Cascades beat the host Thompson Rivers University WolfPack  6.5 to 5.5 in match play on Sunday (Sept 1).  The match play followed a skills competition held on Friday night and Saturday (Aug 30-31).  Both schools are preparing for the 2013 PACWEST golf season.

Bill Bilton Junior: WolfPack head coach (Robert Clark photo)

“I was really pumped about our performance,” said WolfPack head coach Bill Bilton Junior. “ In years past, we didn’t come close to Fraser Valley. I think that the talent on our team has opened their eyes about what sort of season we will have.

In women’s play, Fraser Valley beat the WolfPack.  No scores were made available.

Brett Pound (Andrew Snucins photo)

In honor of the the late Connor Richey of Fraser Valley, the two schools have named a ‘man of the weekend’ award in this event moving forward.  The award goes to the golfer who wins the most matches and the skills competition. This y ear, there was a tie between Aaron Pauls of Fraser Valley and Brent Pound of TRU.   Richey lost his life last month in a tragic accident. He is the twin brother of WolfPack men’s volleyball player Stuart Richey. Both were born in Gibsons, BC.

Stuart Richey of WolfPack men’s volleyball (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack and Cascades open the PACWEST season next weekend in Nanaimo.  Vancouver Island University is hosting the tournament at the Morningside course.

TRU is fielding a team of six men and two women this year.  Bilton was especially pleased with the play of two first year players: Matt Rittinger of Ashcroft, BC and Matt Davis of Delta, BC this weekend.

Blake Gozda (Robert Clark photo)

The WolfPack have three returning players from the squad  in 2012-13: Nic Corno, Blake Gozda  (Kamloops, BC) and Natasha MacKenzie (Kelowna, BC).

Natasha MacKenzie (Robert Clark photo)

MacKenzie and Brittany Riehl (Burlington, ON)  will make up the female component of the WolfPack golf team this year.

Unfortunately for TRU, they will not host a PACWEST tournament in 2013.

GOLF

The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades captured the 2013 Coquihalla Challenge Golf event held at the Dunes in Kamloops.

The Cascades beat the host Thompson Rivers University WolfPack  6.5 to 5.5 in match play on Sunday (Sept 1).  The match play followed a skills competition held on Friday night and Saturday (Aug 30-31).  Both schools are preparing for the 2013 PACWEST golf season.

“I was really pumped about our performance,” said WolfPack head coach Bill Bilton Junior. “ In years past, we didn’t come close to Fraser Valley. I think that the talent on our team has opened their eyes about what sort of season we will have.

In women’s play, Fraser Valley beat the WolfPack.  No scores were made available.

In honor of the the late Connor Richey of Fraser Valley, the two schools have named a ‘man of the weekend’ award in this event moving forward.  The award goes to the golfer who wins the most matches and the skills competition. This y ear, there was a tie between Aaron Pauls of Fraser Valley and Brent Pound of TRU.   Richey lost his life last month in a tragic accident. He is the twin brother of WolfPack men’s volleyball player Stuart Richey. Both were born in Gibsons, BC.

The WolfPack and Cascades open the PACWEST season next weekend in Nanaimo.  Vancouver Island University is hosting the tournament at the Morningside course.

TRU is fielding a team of six men and two women this year.  Bilton was especially pleased with the play of two first year players: Matt Rittinger of Ashcroft, BC and Matt Davis of Delta, BC this weekend.

The WolfPack have three returning players from the squad  in 2012-13: Nic Corno, Blake Gozda  (Kamloops, BC) and Natasha MacKenzie (Kelowna, BC).

MacKenzie and Brittany Riehl (Burlington, ON)  will make up the female component of the WolfPack golf team this year.

Unfortunately for TRU, they will not host a PACWEST tournament in 2013.

MEN’S SOCCER

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer team will enter their final season in the PACWEST on a two game winning streak.

The WolfPack swept a pair of matches from their future Canada West opponent: the University of Northern British Columbia TimberWolves on the weekend.  After beating the Timberwolves 2-0 on Friday (Aug 30), the ‘Pack downed the host UNBC squad 3-1 on Saturday (Aug 31).

The WolfPack will join the Timberwolves in Canada West in 2014.

“We continued our strong play from yesterday,’ said WolfPack co head coach Sean Wallace.  “The opposition pressured us and we got behind early.”

UNBC opened the scoring in the 15 th minute on a chip shot.

A minute after that goal, Justin Wallace (4^th year, midfield, Kamloops, BC) drove to the UNBC net and was hauled down by the Timberwolves keeper without getting a penalty call.

But in the 24 th minute, Wallace got his revenge. he scored on a tough angled shot after starting and finishing a three way play involving Kyle Fertile (4^th year, midfield, Kamloops, BC) and Dion Gouldsborough (2^nd year, forward, Summerland, BC).

Then in the 35 th minute, Wallace’s shot hit the cross bar which resulted in a corner kick. On that kick, UNBC tried to clear the ball and  Corey Wallis (3^rd year, defender, Enderby, BC) scored  on what Coach Wallace called a “cracker of a shot” to make it 2-1 at half time.

In the second half, Gouldborough was hauled down in the box resulting in a penalty kick.  Justin Wallace scored his second of the contest to make the final 3-1.

“It was great to get everyone back and the boys are really starting to adapt to our changes,” Sean Wallace said.  The WolfPack have decided to play the ball more on the ground.  “That is one of our strengths. We hope we have short term success starting next week.”

The WolfPack finish their exhibition season with two wins and a loss against CIS competition.  They open their 2013 PACWEST season on Saturday September 7 th. The opponents are the Capilano University Blues.  Kick off is 3:15 pm at Hillside Stadium.   It is alumni day.

WOMEN’S SOCCER

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack  will enter the 2013 PACWEST season unbeaten.  The WolfPack got three of a possible four points from a weekend exhibition series with the CIS University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves.  The score on Sunday (Sept 1) at Hillside Stadium was 3-1 for the two time defending PACWEST Champions.

Both head coaches felt that it was a completely different type of game than their match up on Saturday (Aug 31) when the teams played to a 1-1 tie.

“I think it was just having some game time experience under our belt,” said Thompson Rivers’ Tom McManus. “ Yesterday, I played everybody.  Today, I started what I believe will be our 11 starters. In the second half, I put players on to give them some experience.”

The WolfPack took it to the Timberwolves right from the opening whistle. In the 18 th minute,  TRU got on the board. Following a free kick, there was a scramble in front of Timberwolves keeper Kat Hartwig-Clay (3^rd year, Shawinigan Lake, BC).  The ball squirted out where Nadine Netelenbos (2^nd year, midfield, Calgary, AB)  tapped it into the yawning cage.

Netelenbos is a newcomer to the WolfPack after playing NCAA Div II soccer in New Mexico last season.

TRU went up 2-0 at the 31 minute mark.  Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association All-Canadian Alanna Bekkering (5^th year, Kamloops, BC) showed why as her great speed left a UNBC defender in her tracks as she broke down the left side.  Hartwig-Clay had no chance.

McManus thought it was a great first half for his team’s possession game. “  That is the way we like to play. That is what we have been working on since training camp.  The girls are doing a great job.”

In the second half, UNBC replaced keepers putting in Jordan Hall (3^rd year, Prince George, BC).  She too was peppered by TRU. 

Only Katie Sparrow (2^nd year, Kamloops, BC) was able to beat  her in the 60 th minute.

UNBC got their lone goal in the 90 th minute.  A defensive breakdown allowed Sidney Roy (2^nd year, forward, Burnaby, BC) to move in and deke WolfPack keeper Emily Edmundson (4^th year, Kamloops, BC) and had little difficulty putting it home.

The WolfPack got solid performances in this one from their leaders, but other players are starting to pick up their games too.  McManus says those ‘ unsung heroes’ are making their presence felt. “ Everyone is getting along together so well.  They are boosting each other out. The chemistry is great. I think the girls are boosting and encouraging each other to do well.”

The WolfPack now prepare for the PACWEST season opener Saturday September 7 th at 1 pm at Hillside Stadium. The opponent will be the Capilano University Blues.  It is alumni day.

McManus believes they will be ready.  “I am happy how we look. I think we could have dominated again yesterday if we kept our strong players on. But it is training camp and we need to give everyone a look.  I would have liked to see a couple of more goals but we didn’t finish them off.”

GOAL KICKS:  The WolfPack rested sweeper Laura Smylie (4^th year, 150 Mile House, BC) and Katie Harding (1^st year, Salmon Arm, BC).

Vanessa Zilkie (3^rd year, defender, Kelowna, BC) was the TRU Bookstore/McDonald’s “Leader of the Pack” player of the game.  It was her finest effort since joining TRU.  “  She was all over the place,” said McManus. “ I told her at half time to limit her runs or she would be worn out. She did a great job. She has great speed . I was very proud of her.”

With TRU joining the Canada West next season, Cameron is looking forward to more matches against the WolfPack. “ I hope we do get a rivalry going, “he says. “ I have known Tom for years and I hope we can have a good go at each other.”

Members of the WolfPack women’s soccer team were at Riverside Park on Labor Day. For the fourth year in a row, the WolfPack were on hand as part of the Kamloops and District Labor Council’s Labor Day picnic. Heres what it looked like:

Tom McManus is the WolfPack women’s soccer head coach. He is the two time PACWEST coach of the Year and is into his fifth season at the helm of the two time defending PACWEST champs.

Our preseason has come to an end and the squad has been named for the 2013 season which starts next Saturday September 7th against the Capilano Blues. All of the players who came out on August 12th worked extremely hard and any coach would have been proud of them. Each and every player knows that now the preseason is over and the work now begins as we continue to push to become the 3 time PACWEST provincial champions.

Marlee Rittinger watches Bronwyn Crawford in action from Sunday’s match vs UNBC (Andrew Snucins photo)

This past weekend saw us play our only two exhibition games of the season. UNBC who plays in the Canada West division of the CIS. This is where we will be playing in 2014. On Saturday we worked hard and had the majority of the possession but just couldn’t find the net till almost the last kick of the ball. We scored in the 90th minute on a penalty kick. Co-captain Bronwyn Crawford stepped up and put it past the UNBC goalkeeper to tie up the match. UNBC had opened the scoring in the 59th minute on a long high shot which seemed to hand cuff our goalkeeper.

The WolfPack had played extremely well dominating the game but with it being the first game of the year everyone seemed very anxious to rip the net off of the posts as they hammered each and every shot. Unfortunately that usually ends up with the ball going high over the crossbar or wide of the posts. The squad was divided in two for this game in order to let everyone get a game and show the coaching staff what they could do. It was a solid performance by everyone.

Nadine Netelenbos (Andrew Snucins photo)

Sunday’s game against UNBC started off in a similar fashion from the day before as we dominated with possession. In the 19th minute the WolfPack got on the scoreboard on a goal from Nadine Netelenbos (Calgary) who hit it low into the net. A sigh of relief from the coaching staff as we had missed some early chances and were worried that it was going to be the same as the day before.

Alanna Bekkering challenges an UNBC player on Sunday (Andrew Snucins photo)

In the 32nd minute, Alanna Bekkering scored to make it 2-0. That is the way it remained as we went into the dressing room for the mid game break.

Katie Sparrow (Andrew Snucins photo)

The team started the second half and a few small injuries were replaced with some of the players who had watched the first half of the game. One of those players Katie Sparrow scored to make it 3-0 in the 63rd minute. More changes were made to the line up and they played well .

Emily Edmundson (Andrew Snucins photo)

Unfortunately in the 90th minute the ball was being played around inside our 18 yard box and a UNBC player took advantage of our mistake and put it into the net with four seconds remaining in the game. We should have cleared the ball and kept the shut out for Emily Edmundson.

WolfPack players at Monday’s Labor Day picnic

We will train this week and prepare for the first game of the season next Saturday. Yesterday, Labour Day, the WolfPack players took part in the Labour Day picnic at Riverside Park. They were there to play soccer and show some soccer tricks to a number of boys and girls in attendance.

I will write again after next weekend’s games.

Tom McManus, Head Coach

Aspiring boys basketball players in the Kamloops area now have the chance to develop their skills under the watchful eyes of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack.
WolfPack men’s coach Scott Clark has announced tryout dates for his WolfPack basketball academy basketball academy.

WolfPack men’s basketball hed coch Scott Clark (Andrew Snucins photo)

The tryouts will be held Saturday September 14 th at the TRU Gym. For athletes in Grade nine and below, they should be at the gym at 9 am for a two hour session.
Athletes in Grades 10-12: their try out session is set from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Del Komarniski

Coaches instructing at the Academy will be former WolfPacK assistant and current South Kamloops Titan coach Del Komarniski, former UCC and current high school coach Will Blair, ex WolfPack guard and now TRU assistant coach Kevin Pribilsky and Clark.

Kevin Pribilsky (Andrew Snuicns photo)

After the teams are selected, athletes will train twice a week, three hours each session from September to the start of November. Cost is $375 per person. Each player gets shorts and a reversible shirt.
For more information contact coach Clark at sclark@tru.ca or call (250) 852-7229.