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.

Members of the WolfPack men’s and women’s soccer teams along with head coaches Sean Wallace and Tom McManus met the media on Wednesday (Sept 4). It was the team’s annual media day and is the first of five press conferences the WolfPack hold each year. Here’s what it looked like:

The season begins Friday (Sept 6) for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack golf team.  Coach Bill Bilton  Junior is taking a six man, two women squad to Vancouver Island for the first of four PACWEST tournaments.

This weekend’s event will be held at the Morning star Golf Course near Nanaimo.

WolfPack Head Coach Bill Bilton Jr (Andrew Snucins photo)

“Morning Star is tree lined, well bunkered with large greens,” says Bilton “Fairways are gently sloped. Emphasis will be on the tee ball as the treed areas can result in the ball being lost. After quite a bit of summer time practice and a good week of preparation I believe the team is relaxed and eager to get the season underway.”

The WolfPack finished seventh in the PACWEST in 2012.  The coach expecting a better showing this year.  “We have great chemistry and work ethic,” he says. “ The focus is there and the desire to win. It really is going to come downt o good decision marking, preparation and the intensity level to win when the season is on.”

Brett Pound (Andrew Snucins photo)

Thompson Rivers has three veteran male golfers: Brett Pound, Nic Corno and Blake Gozda (all Kamloops, BC).  Pound took 2012 off after playing in 2011.    Corno and Gozda were first year players last season.

Blake Gozda (Andrew Snucins photo)

“All are good players,” Bilton states. “Brent has the ability to win the conference outright. That said, I always encourage the players to play for personal best results and let those results contribute to the team score. Anything less is not an option. Nic and Blake are grinders and hard workers too. They want results as much as anyone on this team. “

Nic Corno (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack are coming off a narrow loss to the University of Fraser Valley last week at the Coquihalla Challenge. 

Natasha MacKenzie (Andrew Snucins photo)

Natasha MacKenzie (2^nd year, Kamloops, BC) is back to anchor the female component of the WolfPack. She had a lot of pressure and media attention being the first woman golfer in school history in 2012.

“Natasha has improved her game quite a bit. UFV have 2 of the best female players in the Canada, including Golf Medal winner Jen Woods.” Says Bilton “ It was great that Natasha could play with them this past weekend to see where her game needs to go. She is close and I am sure with hard work she can reach the next level. She is definitely competitive and has the killer instinct to win. “

Brittany Riehl (Andrew Snucins photo)

She is joined by Brittany Riehl of Burlington, Ontario.

Matthew Rittinger (Andrew Snucins photo)

Rookies on the WolfPack men’s squad this year are Matt Rittinger of Ashcroft, BC,  Ryan Skinner  of Kamloops, BC and Matt Davis of Delta, BC.

Ryan Skinner (Andrew Snucins photo)

Bilton has a new assistant coach in Ben Goheen of Ontario.  He is a CPGA professional who previously worked at the Hunt Club in Ottawa, Ontario. He has come to TRU as a student.

The WolfPack do not host an event in 2013. But they will be having a major fund raising dinner at the Dunners on Wednesday, October 9 th.  All proceeds from the Dinner and Silent Auction will go to the team. Tickets are $ 50.00 per ticket. Cocktails at 6 pm. Dinner at 7 pm.  Tickets are available from any TRU golf team player or by calling “The Dunes” at (250) 579-3300.

After winning their final two preseason matches, the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer team is set to kick off their final season in PACWEST.

As they gear up to move up to CIS in 2014, the WolfPack will open the 2013 PACWEST season at home Saturday (Sept 7) against the Capilano University Blues.

Oriol Torres vs UNBC (Jesse Olynyk photo)

Thompson Rivers beat the CIS University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves twice last weekend (Aug 30-31) to finish the exhibition campaign with two wins and a loss.

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

Sean Wallace is back to co-coach the WolfPack in 2013 along with John Antulov.  He is looking at the season this way:  “Our expectations are quite high considering the team we have this year.  Our first goal is to make playoffs and then see what we can do from there.  After winning bronze last year at provincials we feel the returning players have the experience now to strive for a provincial title. “

John Antulov: WolfPack co head coach (Andrew Snucins photo)

Wallace feels Thompson Rivers has depth at a number of positions with a lot of the veterans entering their third or fourth years in PACWEST.  “The core of the team is definitely veteran laden and will definitely help with the strength of our team,” he explains. “ Getting guys like Braeden Burrows (Kamloops, BC)  back after injury and Justin Wallace (Kamloops, BC)  back after two years playing in the NCAA with SFU will definitely help the team.  Our 3^rd and 4^th year guys are going to be relied on to lead this team to any success we have this year.  With Nolan Wallace (Kamloops, BC) being second year,  Travis Froehlich (Revelstoke, BC) , Corey Wallis (Enderby, BC) , Joseph Rose (Kamloops, BC) , Brandon Mendez (Calgary, AB) , Oriol Torres (Barcelona, Spain)  all being  third year players and Kyle Fertile and Jacob Kaay (both Kamloops, BC)  being  fourth year players all back for another year as well, our outlook looks bright.”

Joe Rose-TRU Defender (Andrew Snucins photo)

Thompson Rivers has changed its style of play for 2013.  It is concentrating more on possession out of the back end. 

Forward Jacob Kaay (Andrew Snucins photo)

“We feel we have the talent to play the ball quick with the personnel we are able to put on the field,” the coach says.” The guys are excited with the changes and are looking forward to getting the season going now that we have everyone back in camp now.”

PACWEST all-star Braeden Burrows returns after a year injured (Andrew Snucins photo)

Wallace explains which players who fans should be aware off on a team which came so close to winning the PACWEST title in 2012: “Burrows , Justin Wallace, Mike Harvey (Calgary, AB) and Kyle Logan (Manchester, UK) are those players.  Braeden is a very strong competitor who never gives up in whatever position we play him.  Justin’s game has improved from playing at SFU in the NCAA and he will be relied on to help this team be better.  Mike Harvey is a new recruit from Calgary that will push the older guys for minutes on the field and is a very confident midfield player.  He led his club team to a second place finish at the Alberta Provincial Championships last week.  Kyle Logan is an experience left footed defender who will add a calming effect on our backline.”

Mike Harvey is a newcomer to the WolfPack (Andrew Snucins photo)

Overall, is the 2013 squad better than last years? “It is hard to say at this stage but with the new additions of returning players and new recruits we feel we have a chance to improve on last year’s success and try to take it to the next level,” Wallace says.” The coaching staff think the guys believe they are better with the success they had playing together this summer in the PCSL and with another year under their belts in the PACWEST.  They are definitely excited to see what they can do this year in the very competitive PACWEST league.  To be successful we have to beat a lot of good teams in this league and the guys are ready for the challenge ahead of them.”

Kyle Logan has played PACWEST before–With Quest (Andrew Snucins photo)

Saturday’s home opener is also ‘Alumni Day”.  There will be ceremonies and different activities and events coinciding with Alumni Day.  The late Errol Wild and Ralph Tedder-who directed the University College of the Cariboo Sun Demons to a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association championship will be spotlighted along with that squad.

Newcomer Connor Hawley (Andrew Snucins photo)

Kick off is 3:15 pm.

Brandon Mendez (Andrew Snucins photo)

On Sunday (Sept 8), the WolfPack will entertain the perennial PACWEST powerhouse: the Vancouver Island University Mariners. Kick off for that match is  2 pm.

CORNER KICKS: Again this year, Gyldi’s Pizza is the sponsor of the “TRU WolfPack/KYSA Soccer Experience.”   Youth teams from Kamloops Youth Soccer have been invited to walk onto the field with both teams starters, play at half time, have a pizza and pop party and then meet the WolfPack.

Brady Cameron will patrol the back line for TRU this year: He has PACWEST Experience with Langara (Andrew Snucins photo)

This weekend, there are U-7 squads (Blue Lightning and White Fury) participating on Saturday and U-9 teams involved.

Saturday’s match will include the  Royal Sea Cadet Squadren 137 Kamloops color guard and anthem singing by Sa-hali Secondary Student Lily McRae.

 The spotlight will be on the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack as the 2013 PACWEST regular season kicks off this weekend.    The WolfPack will entertain the Capilano University Blues on Saturday (Sept 7) and the Vancouver Island University Mariners on Sunday (Sept 8). Both matches are at Hillside Stadium.

WolfPack head coach Tom McManus (Andrew Snucins photo)

Tom McManus and his program have been the league champions the past two seasons.  They followed that up with a pair of fourth place finishes at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association championships.

Katie Sparrow vs UNBC (Andrew Snucins photo)

In this, their final season in CCAA soccer, the ‘Pack are again considered the favorites to win their league and move to Nationals.

Courtney Daly was an all star in her first PACWEST season (Andrew Snucins photo)

McManus and company can feel the ‘target’ that is on their back. “I think the opposition will be coming at us hard in order to knock us off.  It will be more like motivation for them.  Our rookies know that everything isn’t on their shoulders so all they have to do is relax and be themselves as that is why they are here.”

Kelsey Martin vs UNBC (Andrew Snucins photo)

After a tie and a win in their lone exhibition  matches (Aug 31-Sept 1) against the Canada West University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves,  the WolfPack are feeling pretty confident of their chances.

Laura Stacer is back for her second year (Andrew Snucins photo)

McManus explains what he likes about the 2013 edition of the ‘Pack thus far: “This team has come together very quickly and good chemistry can make up for a number of things.  They all seem to work hard and push each other for the positions.”

Alanna Bekkering is the Kamloops Female Athlete of the Year for 2012 (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack lost three key players from their championship squad last year due to graduation. Blair MacKay (Kamloops, BC) and the McAuley Sisters-Chloe and Abbey (Langley, BC). They do have a number of returning veterans who will be asked to step up and lead the way in 2013. “It will come from a lot of players but Laura Smylie (150 Mile House, BC), Bronwyn Crawford, Alanna Bekkering (both Kamloops, BC) and Marlie Rittinger (Ashcroft, BC) will definitely lead the way.,” McManus states.

Marlie Rittinger will anchor the middle of the field (Andrew Snucins photo)

Smylie, Bekkering and Crawford are the team’s three co captains this year.  Smylie and Bekkering are playing their final seasons of university soccer.  All three are PACWEST all-stars.  Bekkering is the two time playoff MVP and was league MVP and a CCAA All-Canadian in 2012.

Megan Baird of Cloverdale was McManus’ top recruit (Andrew Snucins photo)

Again this year, Thompson Rivers will use depth, speed and the ability to possess the ball to intimidate opponents. “We want to attack and defend in numbers,” the coach says.
As they look ahead to joining the CIS in 2014, McManus has begun his recruiting process. There are a number of fresh faces on the roster. “We have some outstanding recruits such as Megan Baird (Cloverdale, BC), fast, very calm on the ball, great in the air and a true team player.  Katie Harding (Salmon Arm, BC) is another quality player who can play anywhere in the midfield.  Jodi Hutton and Jordy Hamer Jackson are two local products who will also be solid as they have proven in our exhibition games.”

Katie Harding is highly touted (Andrew Snucins photo)

Kick off on Saturday is 1 pm. On Sunday, it’s a noon start.

Vanessa Zilkie is expected to be a power on the back end (Andrew Snucins photo)

Saturday’s match is Alumni Day.  Former players of Cariboo College, University College of the Cariboo and TRU will be invited back to join in celebrations and activities. 
Again this year, Gyldi’s Pizza is the sponsor of the “TRU WolfPack/KYSA Soccer Experience.”   Youth teams from Kamloops Youth Soccer have been invited to walk onto the field with both teams starters, play at half time, have a pizza and pop party and then meet the WolfPack.

This weekend, there are U-8 squads (Black Attack and Orange Tigers) participating on Saturday and U-7teams involved.

Olivia Rasmussen enters her second season with TRU (Andrew Snucins photoP

Saturday’s match will include the  Royal Sea Cadet Squadren 137 Kamloops color guard and anthem singing by Sa-hali Secondary Student Lily McRae.

Posted with Permission of the Omega Newspaper

Adam Williams, Sports Editor Ω

Alanna Bekkering will lead the WolfPack as one of the team’s captains this year. Entering her final year of play, she is looking to solidify herself as one of the WolfPack’s best all-time.
If success has made Alanna Bekkering complacent, you wouldn’t know it from talking with her.

Alanna Bekkering (Andrew Snucins photo)

Bekkering, one of the most decorated athletes in recent WolfPack history, will play her final year of soccer for TRU this upcoming season. She’s coming off a season in which she was named MVP of the playoffs for the second consecutive year, received all-Canadian honours from the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association and again scored the game-winning goal in the Pacific Western Athletics Association championship final.

Bekkering wins 2012 CCAA All-Canadian

Still, even with all the accolades and accomplishments, Bekkering gets nervous before the start of the season.

“I’m extremely nervous, just because I want it [the season] to go out with a bang and be a good final year for myself,” Bekkering said. “I need to not focus on it being my last year and I just need to play the way I play, focus and have fun.”

Bekkering last year in PACWEST action (Allen Douglas photo)

Bekkering again spent her summer playing for the Kamloops Heat of the Pacific Coast Soccer League’s (PCSL) premier division. In 16 regular season and two playoff games she had six goals – four regular season and two playoff. The Heat exceeded expectations, advancing to the championship final before losing to Vancouver Whitecaps FC 7-2.

Bekkering at the 2012 CCAA Nationals in Prince Edward Island (Bernard photo)

Heading into her final year with TRU, Bekkering will use her years of experience in the PCSL and Pacific Western Athletics Association to lead the WolfPack as one of the team’s three captains. She will be joined by fourth-years Laura Smylie and Bronwyn Crawford.

For Bekkering, it was the one personal accomplishment she had yet to secure, and she said it’s especially significant since she will share the title with her best friend, Crawford.

Bekkering defends against Garneau at 2012 CCAA Nationals (Bernard photo)

“That was one of the things that was on my bucket-list,” she said, of her captaincy. “I’m really excited that people see me as that much of a leader on the field.”

Bekkering challanges last weekend against UNBC (Andrew Snucins photo)

Bekkering’s leadership was on full display in TRU’s preseason games Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 against the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves. She forced a corner-kick late in the 1-1 draw on the Saturday, using it to set up Crawford for the game’s tying goal. On the Sunday she scored the team’s second goal, the eventual game-winner, en route to a 3-1 victory.

It’s that sort of leadership on the field that her coach said made her a natural fit for a captaincy.

WolfPack head coach Tom McManus (Andrew Snucins photo)

“She’s inspirational to the players at practice and in games … players look to her and see what they need to do,” said Tom McManus, head coach of the WolfPack. “It’s a really good fit.”

Heading into this, the WolfPack’s final season in the Pacific Western Athletics Association, it’s looking to exit on a high. Both Bekkering and McManus have their eyes set on another championship and a better outcome at this year’s nationals, in Surrey.

“To be really honest I think we’re going to have a stronger team this year than what we did last year,” McManus said. “It’s going to be a great opportunity for us to ‘three-peat’ but at the same time we also know every team in the league is hunting for us now and out to get us.

Bekkering with the Kamloops Heat this summer (Allen Douglas photo)

“We just have to do the right thing at the right time and we have the opportunity to ‘three-peat’ and to leave the college association … being the three-time champions, which would be lovely.”

Bekkering said she’s somewhat disappointed she won’t be able to play another CIS season – she played with the CIS’s University of Victoria Vikes in her first year of eligibility – but for the most part she’s happy with how her career has unfolded. Sitting out for a year in order to be a part of next year’s Canada West squad was never a consideration.

Bekkering interviewed by CFJC TV

“All the girls that I’m with now, I’m so close with,” she said. “I would want to be able to help them out with the PACWEST championship and go out with a bang with them, because they’re the ones who pretty much got me my accomplishments last year.”

Bekkering signs autograph for KYSA player last year

So with the final year of her university career set to kickoff this Saturday, Bekkering hasn’t gotten complacent. If anything, her personal goals are as ambitious as ever. She’s got her sights set on becoming a two-time all-Canadian – a feat that hasn’t been accomplished in Kamloops women’s soccer since Kelley MacDonald did it in 1999-2000 and 2001-02. Back then, TRU was still known as the University College of the Cariboo.

There’s a good chance that at the end of this year MacDonald will have a little more company.

Posted with Permission of Kamloops Daily News

September 5, 2013

By MARK HUNTER
Daily News Sports Reporter

As unpopular as the TRU WolfPack women’s soccer team appears to be around the Pacific Western Athletic Association, it hopes to be even more so by the end of October.

TRU will begin its final season in the Pacific Western conference on Saturday, 1 p.m., against the Capilano Blues at Hillside Stadium. The WolfPack is set to move into the CIS, Canada’s top university league, in 2014.

WolfPack head coach Tom McManus (Andrew Snucins photo)

In winning the past two conference titles, the WolfPack hasn’t made many friends around the province. But it goes a little further than the “big target” on the WolfPack’s back, head coach Tom McManus said.

Rebecca Williams joins TRU from VIU (Andrew Snucins photo)

“One of our girls (Rebecca Williams) transferred in from (Vancouver Island University), and I said, ‘What does VIU think of us?’ ” said McManus, the conference coach of the year in 2011 and 2012. “She said, ‘They don’t think you should be there (the CIS).’

Vanessa Zilkie in action last weekend against UNBC (Andrew Snucins photo)

“Then a girl who played in Kelowna during the summer (Vanessa Zilkie), I asked, ‘What does UBC-Okanagan think?’ She says, ‘Oh, they want to take us down big-time.’

“There you go – we have to work hard to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Alanna Bekkering at the 2012 CCAA Nationals playing Ahuntsic (Bernard photo)

For veterans Alanna Bekkering and Bronwyn Crawford, both midfielders out of South Kamloops, it’s nothing new.

Bronwyn Crawford (Andrew Snucins photo)

“We kind of laugh about it,” Crawford said. “Teams like UBC-O, they’ve always hated us so much. We don’t sit there and trash talk. . . . I think they don’t like us because – well, we’ve beat them and they don’t like that. But we’ve always been an aggressive team and they think we’re dirty.”

Bekkering makes the move against Anhuntsic (Bernard photo)

“I think (Crawford) and I are (UBC-O’s) No. 1 rivals,” Bekkering added. “Both teams are rivals . . . it’s pretty funny, it’s been like that since we’ve been 10 years old (with) Kelowna.”

The WolfPack isn’t planning to take this year lightly, as it plays a 14-game regular season before the conference playoff tournament, scheduled for Oct. 26-27 in Nanaimo. If TRU wins provincials, the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association championship is scheduled for Nov. 6-9 in Surrey.

From the onset, TRU, which went 10-2-2 last season, looks even stronger than it did in 2012.

Blair MacKay and Abbey McAuley were co-captains and led the WolfPack at the 2012 CCAA Banquet in PEI (Bernard photo)

While TRU did lose Blair MacKay, an All-Canadian, and the always solid sisters, Abbey and Chloe McAuley, the WolfPack added Williams and Nadine Netelenbos, a transfer from New Mexico Highlands University, to shore up the midfield.

Marlie Rittinger last year vs Douglas (Andrew Snucins photo)

Not that it needed much help, with Crawford, Bekkering, Kelsey Martin and Marlie Rittinger already in the mix at midfield.

Crawford blocks out vs UNBC last weekend (Andrew Snucins photo)

“We have Alanna, an All-Canadian, on our wing – she’s a strength for this team,” Crawford said. “And Marlie, she’s one of the best players I’ve ever played with. I enjoy playing in the middle with her so much.”

Emily Edmundson is watched by Laura Smylie during the 2012 CCAA Nationals in PEI (Bernard photo)

Emily Edmundson, the backstop behind the last two provincial titles, is back at ‘keeper for the WolfPack, with Vanessa Zilkie, Madison Wells, Olivia Rasmussen and rookie Jodi Hutton holding down the back line. Up front, Courtney Daly, Jaydene Radu and Katie Sparrow will help out on an attack that essentially runs through Bekkering, the reigning provincial player of the year.

Jaydene Radu vs UNBC (Allen Douglas photo)

To sum it up, TRU doesn’t look half bad.

“If we do what we can do, then we’ll be OK,” McManus said. “That’s what it’s going to come down to. These girls know what it takes to get (to nationals).”

Kelsey Martin kicks the ball forward last weekend vs UNBC (Andrew Snucins photo)

Of course, the WolfPack isn’t stupid, either, and hasn’t started booking hotel rooms in Surrey for November. Many great teams on paper have struggled when it comes down to actually playing the game. Some of them are so confident that it hurts them.

“That’s the one thing I always say: ‘Be confident, but don’t be cocky,’ ” Bekkering said. “Go game-by-game, because you never know what’s going to happen.”

Madison Wells defends vs FX Garneau at 2011 CCAA Nationals in Quebefc (Dorothy Harvee photo)

FREE KICKS: TRU also is scheduled to play VIU on Sunday, noon, at Hillside Stadium. . . . Of the 28 players on the WolfPack roster (including red-shirts), 14 are from Kamloops, with Rittinger, from Ashcroft, a product of the Kamloops Youth Soccer Association. . . . M Kindra Maricle is out for the season with a knee injury. . . . TRU is carrying three goalkeepers this season – Edmundson, Jamie Wheeler and Shalayna Isakson. . . . Danilo Caron is back as ‘keepers coach for the WolfPack, with former player Natasha Little, who is on a CCAA female mentorship program, serving as associate coach. . . . Over the past 13 seasons, the WolfPack has won four provincial gold medals, five silver medals and two bronze. TRU also has won four CCAA silver medals, and has finished fourth in the nation in each of the past two seasons.

Read the Kamloops Daily News Sports Section on Line by going to http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/section/kamloops02

Don Schulz is into his third year at the helm of the TRU WolfPack men’s hockey team

1. Thoughts after two days of camp?  I have cautious optimism, we were in a similar situation last year, expectations were really high and then the next thing I knew I had 9 guys out of the lineup.  We are definitely much deeper at least for now, especially at forward.  We separated the walk-on skates from Main Camp, so I’ve worked them hard to get their skating legs under them and set the tone for conditioning.

1. How many players are out?  At the moment, we have 31 players trying out; we have 3 walk-ons that we’re getting a closer look at.

1. Any ones you didn’t expect and where are they from?  We did have a couple of recruits that committed to us in the last two weeks before camp.  Forwards Silvan Harper and Richard Vanderhoek; both are from the lower mainland.  Silvan played Junior A for the Merritt Centennials; Richard was a draft pick for the Blazers here, played some here, mostly played Junior A finishing a very successful junior career with Cowichan Capitals.

1. Who has made the biggest impression so far?  I have been really impressed with a lot of the rookies that have come in.  Really too many to mention, at all positions.  Similarly, some vets have trained hard and have looked really good as well.  I can honestly say they’ve all gotten me smiling.

1. How about the vets?  Our vets have me really excited.  All of our vets have introduced themselves to all the new guys and really tried to make them feel at home.  It’s clear that they remember what it was like to be a new player.  They’ve really embraced the leadership role on and off the ice and have stepped up big time.  It’s really quite refreshing.

1. Where is the most competition?  At forward and in goal.  We’re not as deep at D; we had a D recruit cancel on us the day before camp.  Because we are so deep at forward, we’re converting a forward to D.  In goal, we have 3 excellent goalies and the competition for playing time will be intense.

1. How many vets do you have back?  Presently we have 11 vets returning, 4 (one is a converting F) defensemen, 7 forwards. One is not totally sure if he is going to play or not; he’s got a heavy course load and is not sure if he can swing it.

1. What’s the plan for the next few workouts?  Our third skate (Thursday) will continue to focus on conditioning and speed of execution.  We have a 2¹/₂ hour skate on Friday where I’ll focus on zone systems which they can use in the intrasquad game Saturday night at 8 pm.  Next week I’ll introduce some special teams.

1. Any idea how many players you plan to keep?  Right now the plan is to carry 28. 3 Gs, 7 Ds and 18 Fs; it is subject to change, depending on how the next couple of skates go.

1. Anything else you want to add?  This year and last year have seen large turnovers in our lineup.  It’s the cyclical nature of collegiate athletics as we are in the 5^th year of the program where a lot of the original players have graduated.  I’m hopeful that the next couple of years will have minimal turnover.  I’ve stressed to this year’s players that its time to initiate a new tradition and it started two days ago.  SFU and Selkirk have really set the bar high with their programs; they’ve done an excellent job in their recruiting and the overall league is super competitive.  The challenge for success is intense; I know that the staff and the players are up for it.

Don Schulz, Head Coach

TRU WolfPack Men’s Hockey

Posted with Permission of Kamloops Daily News

By MARK HUNTER
Daily News Sports Reporter

Joe Rose races for a ball vs UFV earlier this year (Allen Douglas photo)

What’s old is new again for the TRU WolfPack men’s soccer team – and what’s old appears to be pretty darn good.

The WolfPack is getting ready for the Pacific Western Athletic Association season, which it opens Saturday, 3:15 p.m., against the Capilano Blues at Hillside Stadium. TRU has decided to move its soccer teams into the CIS in 2014, making this their final season in the Pacific Western conference, which is based solely in B.C.

Braeden Burrows returns

The WolfPack men would love to end their tenure in the college league with a solid performance after taking bronze in 2012. The return of Braeden Burrows and Justin Wallace – two stars who started their careers at TRU – certainly will help.

WolfPack co head coach Sean Wallace (Andrew Snucins photo)

“Both of them are quality players,” said WolfPack co-head coach Sean Wallace, the father of Justin. “Those guys, along with some of our older players, are definitely going to lead us.”

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

Burrows, a Sa-Hali grad, started with the WolfPack in 2009, and has played three seasons in black and orange. An injury forced him out of the lineup for all of 2012, but he’s healthy and eager to play again this season. Usually a midfielder, Burrows will anchor the back line alongside Nolan Wallace, another of Sean’s sons.

Nolan Wallace makes a slide tackle vs Kwantlen last year (Andrew Snucins photo)

Justin Wallace, meanwhile, last played for the WolfPack in 2010, winning the conference’s rookie-of-the-year award. The forward from Sa-Hali moved up to the NCAA DIvision II Simon Fraser Clan, winning his conference’s newcomer-of-the-year award in 2011 and helping the Clan to the national Final Four in 2012.

Travis Froehlich speaks with Mark Hunter of the Kamloops Daily News

“We’re very optimistic, especially with a couple of big (names) coming back, Justin Wallace and Braeden Burrows,” said goalkeeper Travis Froehlich. “The sky’s the limit this year.”

Justin Wallace earlier this summer against Fraser Valley

The pair fills out what looks to be a solid roster, backed by TRU’s starting – and only – goalkeeper. Froehlich, now in his third season, helped the WolfPack to a 7-4-3 record in 2012 and followed up by leading the Penticton Pinnacles to the Pacific Coast Soccer League Reserve Division title this summer.

Sebastian Gardner earlier this year vs Fraser Valley (Allen Douglas photo)

Midfielder Seb Gardner is the only fifth-year player on the WolfPack roster, which features 12 players in either their third or fourth seasons.

Sean Wallace speaks with Justin Wallace during a Kamloops Heat PCSL match this summer

“We have experience and we have a lot of veterans,” said Sean Wallace, whose co-coach is John Antulov. “When you’ve got a core group of third- and fourth-year players, I think you’re there. We’ve seen it in the past few years, (Vancouver Island University) had a very veteran-laden team and did really well, going to nationals three times.

WolfPack co head coach John Antulov (Andrew Snucins photo)

“We’ve cultivated our talent over the years and we’re hoping it pays off this year.”

Kyle Fertile (Andrew Snucins photo)

Kyle Fertile, fourth-year midfielder out of Sa-Hali, had only scored two goals in his previous three seasons, but had a breakout summer with the PCSL’s Kamloops Heat, with which he scored eight goals.

“I don’t know if we want to call him a late bloomer,” Sean Wallace said. “He’s coming into his own, he’s a little more mature and he’s developed his game some more. . . . He showed what he can do this summer.”

Darren Dinsdale goes up for a blal against Fraser Valley (Allen Douglas photo)

The WolfPack has the talent, but one thing that sets it apart from the rest of the league, according to the players, is its closeness. The majority of these players have been running alongside one another for years.

Froehlich throws the ball to teammates (Allen Douglas photo)

“We’ve got a lot of guys who have been here for three or four years,” said Froehlich, a Revelstoke native. “And I think we have three or four rookies this year, and we’ve made them part of the family.

“We’re a really close team.”

WolfPack assistant coach Wayne Girodat (Andrew Snucins photo)

FREE KICKS: TRU, whose regular season will be 14 games, also is scheduled to play the VIU Mariners on Sunday, 2 p.m., at Hillside Stadium. . . . Since 2000, the WolfPack has four medals – one gold, two silver and one bronze – at the provincial tournament. . . . Since Antulov and Wallace joined forces, the WolfPack is 39-19-19. . . . Of the WolfPack’s 23 players, eight are from Kamloops. . . . Wayne Girodat and former TRU player Adam Dodgson are assistant coaches, with Allan Connor, another WolfPack alumnus, the team’s ‘keepers coach.

Ray Chadwick has his WolfPack baseball team hard at work at Norbrock Stadium. The baseball team plays exhbition games in the fall with their Canadian College Baseball Conference season beginning in the spring. Heres what practice on Thursday, September 5th looked like.

Posted with permission of Kamloops Daily News
BY ADAM WILLIAMS
DAILY NEWS SPORTS REPORTER

It’s no secret that hockey players like to golf.

But for the TRU WolfPack’s Ryan Skinner, it has become more than just a hobby reserved for the offseason.

Skinner, 21, spent four seasons in the Kooteney International Junior Hockey League, playing all but one of his games with the Kamloops Storm. In 211 career games, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound Kamloops native had 103 points, including 23 goals, and 405 penalty minutes.

Following his last game with the Storm in March, he committed to the WolfPack men’s hockey team for 2013-14. But, as his summer progressed, he knew his heart wasn’t in it anymore.
“After junior hockey I kind of felt like I wasn’t going anywhere with hockey anymore,” Skinner said. “With golf I still have an opportunity to go somewhere, so I just kind of felt like I was better off to pursue something (else).”

Brett Pound (Andrew Snucins photo)

With some urging from longtime friend, and now teammate, Brent Pound, Skinner approached Bill Bilton Jr., the head coach of TRU’s golf team, about the possibility of playing.
“It was definitely the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make, by far,” Skinner said. “I just had a really good summer golfing, I shot a lot of good scores . . . then I skated at Storm camp and I just realized I love golf more than hockey.”

He competed in the open tryouts in late August and played well; he also had a good showing in the Coquihalla Cup on the weekend. Bilton emphasized that he hadn’t been looking to take a player away from another TRU team; it just worked out that way.

Bill Bilton: WolfPack head coach (Andrew Snucins photo)

“Safe to say he had the intent of playing hockey but his passion was with golf, so he made the switch,” Bilton said. “He just felt like the last time he put the skates on he didn’t have the desire.”

Nic Corno (Andrew Snucins photo)

Skinner’s golf game revolves around a heavy drive, but he’s made an effort to improve other aspects of his game in recent years, especially his putting. He hopes that a year with the WolfPack and guidance from returning players like Nic Corno and Pound will help him take his game to the next level.

Bilton sees the potential as well.

“He’s extremely long . . . somewhere in the neighbourhood of 350 yards off the tee,” he said. “For a big guy, (he has a) nice compact swing and soft hands.

“He’s a hell of a golfer.”

Bilton added that Skinner fits in nicely with the other players on the WolfPack’s roster. Skinner is part of the golf community in Kamloops and his friendship with Pound should make the transition easier.

“He walks into the team knowing one of the other players and knowing some of the alumni players who hang around with us too,” Bilton said. “This team has got the chemistry you want as a coach and we’ve kind of got the same six demeanours, that complement each other, across the board.”

The importance of the WolfPack’s players gelling quickly shouldn’t be underestimated. TRU will start its four-tournament season Saturday and will wrap up things up Oct. 5-6, barring a berth in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Nationals. The WolfPack won’t play host to any of the season’s tournaments, instead traveling to Vancouver Island, twice.

“I think the guys on the island were just whining a little bit that over the years they’ve got to make the trips over the ferry and, fair enough, they do,” Bilton said, when asked why there won’t be a tournament in Kamloops. “I guess it’s their turn to have two over there; it’s just the timing for our budget isn’t that great.”

An extra $7,000 in funding will be required to send the golf team to the island twice this season.

awilliams@kamloopsnews.ca

Read the Kamloops Daily News on line at www.kamloopsnews.ca/sports

Hockey teams are always optimistic at this time of year. After all, training camp brings with it the start of a new season.  The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack are no different. 

The WolfPack begin their fifth season of operation in the BC Intercollegiate Hockey League with the goal of again being one of the top teams.   Thompson Rivers wound up third in the BCIHL in 2012-13 with 23 points, a distant 12 back of second place Simon Fraser and two ahead of fourth place University of Victoria.

WolfPack head coach Don Schulz (Andrew Snucins photo)

Don Schulz is back for his third year at the helm of the WolfPack and ran the team through two workouts this week at Memorial Arena. “I have cautious optimism, we were in a similar situation last year, expectations were really high and then the next thing I knew I had nine guys out of the lineup.”  He adds”  We are definitely much deeper at least for now, especially at forward.  We separated the walk-on skates from Main Camp, so I’ve worked them hard to get their skating legs under them and set the tone for conditioning.”

Anthony Delong is back for his second year with the Pack (Andrew Snucins photo)

 The WolfPack have 31 players in camp including three who came to the first training session who weren’t recruited. Schult is enthusiastic about two of their late recruits.  “ Forwards Silvan Harper and Richard Vanderhoek; both are from the lower mainland.  Silvan played Junior A for the Merritt Centennials; Richard was a draft pick for the Blazers here, played some here, mostly played Junior A finishing a very successful junior career with Cowichan Capitals.”

Harper explains why he chose TRU. “ I have heard what a great program they offer off and on the ice. That and the fact that my good friend and fellow teammate (Sean Maakaak) is attending TRU.”  The 5’11” native of Coquitlam, BC will be taking business courses while playing for the WolfPack.

Scott Bollifer is one of a few returnees on the blue line (Andrew Snucins photo)

Schulz says a lot of the rookies have come into camp with something to prove but the returning veterans have also come in with a new desire to succeed. “Our vets have me really excited.  All of our vets have introduced themselves to all the new guys and really tried to make them feel at home.  It’s clear that they remember what it was like to be a new player.  They’ve really embraced the leadership role on and off the ice and have stepped up big time.  It’s really quite refreshing.”

Duncan Schulz will provide offense for TRU (Andrew Snucins photo)

The biggest fight for jobs are occurring at forward and in the nets.  “We are not as deep at D,” the coach says. “We had a defense prospect pull out the day before camp. Because we are so deep at forward, we are converting one of them to play defense.  We have three excellent goaltenders and the competition for playing time will be intense.”

Thompson Rivers has 11 veterans returning with one player sitting on the ‘fence’ because of a heavy course load. 

Tyler Jackson is one of a few returnees at centre (Andrew Snucins photo)

Schulz is planning to carry a roster of 28-three goalies, seven defensemen and 18 forwards. As far as the season is concerned: “  This year and last year have seen large turnovers in our lineup.  It’s the cyclical nature of collegiate athletics as we are in the 5^th year of the program where a lot of the original players have graduated.  I’m hopeful that the next couple of years will have minimal turnover.  I’ve stressed to this year’s players that its time to initiate a new tradition and it started two days ago.  SFU and Selkirk have really set the bar high with their programs; they’ve done an excellent job in their recruiting and the overall league is super competitive.  The challenge for success is intense; I know that the staff and the players are up for it.

Ben Bula will play a bigger role in 2013-14 (Andrew Snucins photo)

 The WolfPack have their “Orange and Black” intra-squad scrimmage is set for Saturday, September 7 th at Memorial Arena. Game time is 8 pm.

 Thompson Rivers kicks off their 2013-14 BCIHL season on September 27 th in Victoria. Their first home game is Friday October 4 th at Memorial Arena. It is an 8:30 pm puck drop against The Trinity Western Spartans.

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Playing in front of a big crowd is always unnerving for young athletes. Such was the case for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s soccer team. The WolfPack opened up the two time defense of their  PACWEST title with a 2-1 win over the visiting Capilano University Blues on Saturday (Sept 7) at Hillside Stadium.

WolfPack starting 11 for home opener

Playing in front of friends, fans, fellow WolfPack athletes and alumni, Tom McManus’ crew looked a little shaky in the opening 45 minutes.

WolfPack head coach Tom McManus

“A win is a win,” said McManus. “We played OK at times today but not up to our potential.  We held the ball too long at times in the first half. We discussed things at half time and started to open it up a little bit, but it wasn’t enough.”

Capilano opened the scoring in the ninth minute when off a free kick, Andrea Standerwick (2^nd year, midfield, Vancouver, BC) passed it to Alexsandra Aulin-Haynes (3^rd year, midfield, North Vancouver, BC) who beat WolfPack keeper Emily Edmundson  (4^th year, Kamloops, BC).

Emily Edmundson (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack got a number of chances in the first half, including three straight corner kicks but were unable to solve Blues keeper Ariel Anderson (3^rd year, Burnaby, BC).

Alanna Bekkering

That was until injury time in the first half when Alanna Bekkering (5^th year, midfield, Kamloops, BC) showed why she was the 2012 PACWEST Most Valuable Player and a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association All-Canadian. She passed the ball in and it was headed by PACWEST all-star Bronwyn Crawford (4^th year, midfield, Kamloops, BC) to even the score.

Bronwyn Crawford

McManus said the large crowd—estimated at over 700—made things a little intimidating for both teams. “Yes I believe both teams showed the effects. I saw players make mistakes that they haven’t done since before we opened training camp.  It’s over now and I think we are just going to get stronger now the rest of the season.”

Kelsey Martin last year vs Capilano (Allen Douglas photo)

In the second half, the WolfPack turned up the offense. It included Kelsey Martin (2^nd year, midfielder, Kamloops, BC) hitting the cross bar in the 49 th minute.

TRU went up 2-1 at the 51 st minute. Off a header, the ball squirmed loose after a Bekkering corner kick and Jaydene Radu (3^rd year, forward, Calgary, AB) was able to jam it home.

Jaydene Radu (Andrew Snucins photo)

McManus said the goal was a big one mentally for Radu, who struggled with injuries in 2012.

“She scored a great goal for us,” he says.  “I spoke to her before the game and I told her I was hoping to get her in. She replied that if she did she would get a goal.  I am very happy for her.”

“It was a good battle.” Said Blues coach Darren Rath. “TRU has a lot of offensive threats. Bekkering is a game breaker.  Bronwyn Crawford has good finish. It was a testament to their talent. They kept the ball and created a lot of chances.  It was a good physical battle. Our girls are bit beat up because of it, but TRU has a good side. I hope we can get them back when they come to Vancouver later in the season.”

The WolfPack now take on the Vancouver Island University Mariners on Sunday (Sept 8) while the Blues will head to Kelowna to face the University of British Columbia  Okanagan Heat.

Kick off at Hillside Stadium on Sunday is Noon.

Jordy Hamer Jackson (Andrew Snucins photo)

CORNER KICKS: McManus praised the work of Crawford and rookie midfielder Jordy Hamer Jackson (Kamloops, BC).  Hamer Jackson replaced Marlie Rittinger (2^nd year, Ashcroft, BC) who sat out after getting two yellow cards in exhibition matches against the UNBC Timberwolves last weekend.

(left to inright): Marlie Rittinger, Bronwyn Crawford and Kelsey Mart

“With Marlie being out there definitely was a hole,” he says. “ I thought Jordy did very well at times for a young player. But “B” was instructing her when they were out there. Bronwyn was phenomenal.”

After the match, the WolfPack honored their alumni including the 1998 University College of the Cariboo Sun Demons who won the CCAA championship. They were coached by the late Mike Bartram.  Many members of that team were on hand.  As well, long time assistant coach Kelly Shantz and former player Amanda Guido nee: Brennan were honored for community work.

The current edition of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer team paid homage to the 1999 alumni in more ways than one on Saturday (Sept 7). On alumni day, where they honored the 1999 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association champion University College of the Cariboo Sun Demons—the Pack came from behind to beat the Capilano University Blues 2-1.
The victory, before over 500 fans at Hillside Stadium was the home and season opener for the ‘Pack.

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

“Take a page out of Ralph Tedder’s book: it isn’t how you start the game it is how you finish it,” said WolfPack co head coach Sean Wallace. Wallace was making reference to Tedder, who coached the UCC Sun Demons (predecessors to the TRU WolfPack) to a BCCAA gold medal, silver medal and three bronze medals in eight seasons.

Justin Wallace (Andrew Snucins photo)

Wallace went onto say: “ We started slow. There was miscommunication on the goal that they scored. It was a little frustrating because we worked on that before the game. We got through the half. The game changed when we brought on Justin Wallace (4th year, midfield, Kamloops, BC). We brought him on to add that spark. He sent in Oriol in the first three minutes. He elevated everyone’s game.”

Travis Froehlich

Capilano needed only nine minutes to get on the board. Off a corner kick, Jagdeep Sangha (2nd year forward, Squamish BC) sent the ball into the middle of the box where Devon Woolley (2nd year, midfield, North Vancouver, BC) was able to beat WolfPack keeper Travis Froehlich (3rd year, Revelstoke, BC).

The Blues held the lead until the second half when the game turned around. It wasn’t only Wallace’s insertion into the line up. But also the appearance of two rookies—Jason Staiger (1st year, forward, Chilliwack, BC) and Kyle Logan (2nd year, defender, Manchester, UK).

Kyle Logan vs UFV earlier this year (Allen Douglas photo)

“It is very nice to have a guy like that (Logan) who has a bit of a bite to him, said Wallace. “ He has a great left foot and likes to get into the play as well. Jason is an energy guy. He got his nose dirty which I asked him to do in the start of the second half. We added different dynamics to the game and it paid off for us.

Braeden Burrows (Andrew Snucins photo)

The Blues wound up playing with ten men after the 61 st minute when Juveet Dhaliwal (1st year, Burnaby, BC) close lined WolfPack defender Braeden Burrows (4th year, Kamloops, BC) at midfield. While Burrows laid crumpled in a heap, Dhaliwal picked up a yellow card. He protested and was tossed from the match and had to be escorted to the dressing room.

At the time, TRU was pressing.

Oriol Torres vs Langara last year (Allen Douglas photo)

It paid off in the 80 th minute; Oriol Torres (3rd year, forward, Barcelona, Spain) beat Capilano keeper Shawn Greensides (1st yar, Whistler, BC) on the short side.

Oriol Torres (Andrew Snucins photo)

Torres followed it up in the 84 th minute on a tip in. That was the winning goal. He was rewarded for his effort by being named the McDonalds/TRU Bookstore “Leader of the Pack” player of the match.

Wallace figured Torres could have scored more than two goals in the game. “He did have a lot of chances. We are working on a different system that we want the guys to play. We haven’t had a lot of time on some of the other aspects: but we are getting our chances. We just have to focus on around the net.

The WolfPack will entertain the Vancouver Island University Mariners on Sunday (Sept 7) while the Blues will travel to Kelowna to face the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat.

Wallace expects a tough match from VIU. “ They aren’t the team they had last year but I do expect them to be hard working. They do have some older guys. Jessie Arnett is still there from their championship teams. He is going to add some leadership. They will be a physical, hard working. They don’t make them any other way on the Island really.”

Kick off is 2 pm.

1998-99 UCC Sun Demons Men’s Soccer

OFF SIDES: Before the contest, the WolfPack honored not only that 1999 UCC team, but they also recognized Tedder and the late Errol Wild for community service. Wild was head coach at UCC in 1986-88, he returned to the program as manager from 2007 to his death in 2009. He also held many different roles with the Kamloops Youth Soccer and Kamloops Rugby Associations for many years.

Alanna Bekkering has found herself as a ‘poster girl’ for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack this year.   And if this weekend is any indication, she has every right to be in the ‘spotlight’ for the two time defending PACWEST Champs.

The WolfPack are unbeaten after their first two league matches: taking the Vancouver Island University Mariners 3-1 at Hillside Stadium on Sunday (Sept 8).

Alanna Bekkering (Andrew Snucins photo)

Bekkering: the PACWEST Most Valuable Player from 2012 showed it in this match as she scored twice leading the WolfPack to the victory.

Courtney Daly (Andrew Snucins photo)

Her first goal came in the 22^nd minute as she took the ball from Courtney Daly (2^nd year, forward, Kamloops, BC) and beat VIU keeper Shelby Walker (3^rd year, Victoria, BC) on the far side.

Six minutes later, Bekkering launched a long ball from outside the 18 yard box which Walker misplayed to give TRU a 2-0 lead.  That was the second of eight shots that Bekkering would have on goal in the contest.

“I am not very good at breakaways ,” Bekkering laughed. “ I am better at those long shots.”

Kelsey Martin (Andrew Snucins photo)

In the second half, the ‘Pack would go up 3-0 when Kelsey Martin (2^nd year, midfield, Kamloops, BC) took a page out of Bekkering’s playbook and belted one from 35 yards out which went high left hand corner on Walker.

Tom McManus: WolfPack head coach (Andrew Snucins photo)

“Alanna showed why she was the PACWEST Player of the Year this weekend,” said WolfPack head coach Tom McManus. “She led the team and had two great goals today.”

“It was a very physical game,” said Bekkering.”Probably the most physical one I have played in a long time, but that is the way VIU plays.  We were expecting it from the get go. In the second half we were picked it up.”

Bekkering in today’s game vs VIU (Andrew Snucins photo)

The Mariners got on the scoreboard in the 61 st minute. Emma Johansson (2^nd year, forward, Campbell River, BC) took a corner kick and the ball bounced out to Kaylee Dods (1^st year, midfield, Surrey, BC) who put it in the net.  WolfPack keeper Emily Edmundson (4^th year, Kamloops, BC) was shaken up on the play.

Jaydene Radu (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack had a number of late scoring chances to regain their four goal lead including a play which started with a Thompson Rivers goal kick and resulted in Jaydene Radu (3^rd year, forward, Calgary, AB) getting a breakaway. She fired the ball from 40 yards out but it missed the mark.

Bekkering faces two VIU defenders (Andrew Snucins photo)

Bekkering thought both teams fought hard for the 50/50 balls. “They got to them as many times as we did.”

She did say that the Mariners were paying extra attention to her after she scored the two goals. “But it’s nothing I wasn’t getting last year. I just keep battling through.”

Bekkering avoids check vs VIU (Andrew Snucins photo)

Bekkering was named the TRU Bookstore/McDonalds “Leader of the Pack” Player of the Match for the second straight time.

“I thought we played pretty well,” McManus said about the team’s performance in this one.  “We missed a lot of opportunities. “

Rittinger, Crawford, Martin and Daly with KYSA Players “Black Attack”

The WolfPack now hit the road for the next three weeks. They meet up with the Douglas College Falcons and the Kwantlen Polytechnic Eagles next weekend (Sept 14 and 15).  Their next home action is Saturday, October 5 th when the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat pay a visit. Kick off is noon.

THROW INS:  Heading into next week, Bekkering wants to focus on the team shoring up their deficiencies and playing more consistent.

McManus on what he liked from his team this week: “ I liked the composure and the discipline. Even though what was going on the field today, they didn’t blow up or get too crazy and retaliate.  I told our girls not to react or to talk back to the referee. I was very proud when they held their cool.”

He admits after giving up two corner kick goals this weekend, that the WolfPack will be working on that at practice. “ We worked set plays last Friday and it worked so good that I was confident.   We work on it every week and defending  and will do again this week.

It has been traditionally a war when the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack and the Vancouver Island University Mariners meet in PACWEST men’s soccer. In recent year, it has been the team from Nanaimo who has come out on top in these battles.

On Sunday (Sept 8), it was the WolfPack who prevailed.  4-2 was the final score in a match which saw one VIU player ejected and numerous cards handed out.

The WolfPack opened the scoring early. A scramble in front of the VIU keeper  Scott Brown (2^nd year, Nanaimo, BC) resulted in Oriol Torres (3^rd year, Barcelona, Spain) flicking the ball with his back towards the goal into the net for his third goal of the season.

Travis Froehlich bats ball away (Allen Douglas photo)

The Mariners were quick to respond. After they were given a penalty kick,  Nick Moore (2^nd year, midfielder, Nanoose, BC) one timed it past TRU keeper Travis Froehlich (3^rd year, Revelstoke,BC) at the 31 minute mark.    Moore’s enthusiastic goal scoring celebration led him to the VIU sidelines where he was eventually given a yellow card.

Kyle Logan in todays game (Andrew Snucins photo)

Thompson Rivers regained the lead at the 43 minute mark. It was their chance with a free kick. Kyle Logan (2^nd year, defender, Manchester, UK) let a low kick go and it was headed in by Torres.  TRU led 2-1 after the first 45 minutes.

Justin Wallace sends ball ahead vs VIU (Andrew Snucins photo)

In the second half, Torres connected with Justin Wallace (4^th year, midfielder, Kamloops, BC).  Wallace capitalized on the pass to put TRU up 3-1 at the 51 minute mark.

WolfPack players mob Torres after one of his goals (Andrew Snucins photo)

WolfPack co head coach John Antulov was nothing but smiles when he talked about Torres. “ He is on fire right. If he could keep that up it would be awesome. They (all four goals he has scored this season) have been nice goals.  We need that  type of offense from Oriol. He had a great summer in the Pacific Coast League with the Heat and he is carrying it on now.”

The game was a chippy affair and in the second half, referee Brook Calibaba showed VIU’s Renan Rebelatto (4^th year, midfielder, Cotipora’rs, Brazil) a red card for allegedly spitting.

Kyle Logan battles two VIU defenders (Andrew Snucins photo)

With VIU down a man, TRU went up by three goals. Another free kick and another goal. Logan got credit for the goal as he took the shot and it deflected of Mariner midfielder Mateo Kostering (2^nd year, Alert Bay, BC) and past Brown.  The VIU keeper was outstanding in the second half or the score could have been higher.

VIU got their second goal at the 64 minute mark as Keegan Lang (1^st year, Nanaimo, BC) finished off a nice play on a brilliant individual effort.

WolfPack co head coach John Antulov (Andrew Snucins photo)

“This was a hard fought win, “said Antulov. “ We know with VIU coming in—they have been to national championships three years in a row—It was good for us. We got up early and it gave us the confidence to battle with them. I thought overall, we played well.”

Jacob Kaay battles VIU (Andrew Snucins photo)

Antulov was happy that for the most part, TRU held their composure. “Whenever we play these guys it’s a chippy game.  Our guys had composure.”

The WolfPack, now unbeaten in two starts,  hit the road for PACWEST matches Saturday and Sunday (Sept 14 and 15) in Vancouver against the Douglas College Royals and the Kwantlen Polytechnic Eagles.
VIU is at home to Langara College and Quest.

Antulov was happy with his team’s efforts in their first two matches.  “ The guys battled. They knew at times if wasn’t going to be pretty playing a team like this. It was good to see.”

Next home match for the WolfPack is Saturday October 5 th against the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat.  Kick off is 2 pm at Hillside Stadium.

THROW INS:  Jacob Kaay (4^th year, forward, Kamloops, BC) was named the McDonalds/TRU Bookstore “Leader of the Pack” player of the match. He and teammate Dion Gouldsborough (2^nd year, forward, Summerland, BC)  took a beating all match from the VIU back line.

The WolfPack launched their sixth annual Gyldi’s Pizza/KYSA soccer experience.  Two U-8 boys teams: the Yellow Jackets and the Snow Balls were special guests and went onto the field for the starting line ups and national anthem with both squads.

The WolfPack women’s volleyball team and some of the TRU Cheerleaders were helping out the SPCA on Sunday (Sept 8). They were part of the 2013 Paws for a Cause event. Here are some pictures.

A pretty decent start to the season for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack golf team.
The WolfPack kicked off the 2013 PACWEST season at the Morningside Golf Course in Nanaimo, BC.

Brett Pound (2nd year, Kamloops, BC) finished tied for second in the individual men’s competition while the WolfPack women’s team consisting of Natasha MacKenzie (2nd year, Kamloops, BC) and Britt Riehl (Burlington, ON) were third in the team competition.

Natasha MacKenzie (Andrew Snucins photo)

Pound carded rounds of 73 and 69 to finish tied with Dallas Jones of the host Vancouver Island University Mariners with 142 totals. That was two shots behind the winner Will Deck of UBCO.
MacKenzie and Riehl had a two day team total of 185 and 184 to wind up at 369. The University of Fraser Valley Cascades won the team title for women with 322.

The WolfPack men’s squad finished sixth with two day totals of 313 and 319 for 632. Fraser Valley won the team men’s title with 590 total strokes.

Ryan Skinner (Andrew Snucins photo)

Other individual men’s scores from week one: Ryan Skinner (1st year, Kamloops, BC) was tied for 21 st with rounds of 82 and 77 for 159.

Nic Corno (Andrew Snucins photo)

Nic Corno (2nd year, Kamloops, BC) was 29 th with 79 and 86 for 165.

Matt Davis (Andrew Snucins photo)

Matt Davis (1st year, Delta, BC) wound up 31 st with 79 and 87 and a 166 total. Blake Gozda (2nd year, Winnipeg, MB) was 38 th in the team total with rounds of 93 and 87.

Blake Gozda (Andrew Snucins photo)

Mathew Rittinger (1st year, Ashcroft, BC) golfed as an individual and wound up 37. His scores were: 96 for the first round and 81 for the second for a 177 total.

Matthew Rittinger (Andrew Snucins photo)

Among the women: MacKenzie was 4th overall with 85 and 82 for 167. The event was won by Jen Woods of Fraser Valley with 161. She had the same total as teammate Dani Sharp but took it on a playoff.

Brittany Riehl (Andrew Snucins photo)

Riehl of TRU was 10th. She shot a 100 in the opening round and followed it up with 102 for a 202 total.
The PACWEST season continues next weekend (Sept 14 and 15) at UBCO.

Two victories in two days has resulted in both of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack soccer teams being included in the first Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association top 10 rankings of the year in soccer.

Megan Baird, Alanna Bekkering,Vanessa Zilkie and Emily Edmundson with KYSA Black Attack before their match on Sunday

The WolfPack women, who finished fourth in the 2012 CCAA Soccer Nationals are holding down that spot in the initial rankings.
TRU came away with a 2-1 victory in their home and season opener over Capilano University on Saturday (Sept 7) and then took down the Vancouver Island University Mariners 3-1 on Sunday (Sept 8).

Tom McManus with three KYSA players before Sunday’s match

“Its nice for us to remain in the fourth position nationally, “ said Thompson Rivers women’s head coach Tom McManus. “As the season unfolds, we will hope to improve upon that placing.”
The TRU men beat Capilano 2-1 on Saturday and Vancouver Island University 4-2 on Sunday.  Those results have put the WolfPack into the number 5 slot in the CCAA rankings.

WolfPack Men’s co head coach Sean Wallace (Andrew Snucins photo)

“At this point, I am not reading too much into the rankings,” said WolfPack men’s co head coach Sean Wallace. “ We had a good weekend with some solid results. But it’s the placing at the end of the season which matters most. We need to stay focused and concentrate on the job at hand.”

Justin Wallace slide tackled vs VIU (Andrew Snucins photo)

The Humber Hawks of the OCAA are the top ranked men’s team followed by the Langara Falcons of the PACWEST and the Elans de Garneau of the RSEQ.  Seneca Sting of the OCAA are ranked fourth.  The only other PACWEST team in the men’s rankings are the Douglas College Falcons who are 11 th.

Vanessa Zilkie (Andrew Snucins photo)

The top five teams in the CCAA women’s rankings are : Indienes d’ Ahuntsic  of the RSEQ are first  followed by the Concordia Thunder and the NAIT Ooks  of the ACAC . Elans de Garneau of the RSEQ are sitting in fifth spot.

There are two other PACWEST women’s teams in the top rankings.  UBCO Heat sit in 10 th place with Quest Kermodes occupying the 12 th spot.

Marlie Rittinger vs VIU (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack are on the road in PACWEST play this weekend (Sept 14-15) meeting up with Douglas College and Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Their next home matches are Saturday October 5 th at Hillside Stadium when UBCO comes to town.  Kick off is noon for the women and 2 pm for the men.