The season is over for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s basketball team.

Less than a day after the ‘Pack won an overtime thriller over the University of Victoria Vikes in the Canad West quarterfinals, it was the Vike’s turn to score a last minute bucket to win the third and deciding game of the series.

The score at the Warner Rentals Court at the Tournament Capital Centre on Saturday (Feb 28) was 77-75.

Victoria won it when Shaylyn Crisp (fourth year, guard, Victoria, BC) hit a three point shot with 0.2 seconds remaining after taking a pass from Jenna Bugiardini (third year, forward, Hamilton ON).   That shot and the victory puts the Vikes into the Canada West final four for the first time in seven years.

UVIC coach Dani Sinclair (Andrew Snucins photo)

“I think we could play ten games in a row and it would be a similar ending,” explained Victoria head coach Dani Sinclair. “ A lot of respect for TRU. Scott is a great coach and they have a great coaching staff. My heart breaks for Jorri (Duxbury, fifth year, guard, Salmon Arm, BC) . I have watched her over the last five years. She is an incredible player.  It is sad to see that team knocked out because they had a great season. They are obviously very close.  Happy for our team.”

Jump ball (Andrew Snucins photo)

The lead changed 15 times in the contest—ten times in the first half.  Victoria was up 20-18 after the first quarter but TRU was on top 37-36 at the break.

“All three games were hard fought battles,” said WolfPack head coach Scott Reeves. “ I didn’t expect any team to give up. It was hard fought the whole way through.”

Emma Piggin runs into Amira Ginnattasio of Victoria (Andrew Snucins photo)

“I don’t know if you could explain this weekend,” Sinclair responded when asked what the difference in this third game was. “ Both teams had trouble breaking lose and getting stretches. Tonight, we would get up five and they would come back. Then they would go up five and we would come back. We were lucky to have it at the right time.”

Michelle Bos (Andrew Snucins photo)

Victoria had five players in double figures led by Cassandra Goodis (fifth year, guard, Penticton, BC).  Goodis, who was seriously considering coming to TRU out of high school had 20 points.

Volleyball player Brandon Hewwing gets fans fired up (Andrew Snucins photo)

Bugiardini had 16 points while Canada West Rookie of the Year Amira Giannattasio (guard, Hamilton, ON) had 15 points.

Jessica Renfrew (fifth year, forward, Victoria, BC) added 12 while Crisp added 10.

Jorri Duxbury played her final CIS game in this one (Andrew Snucins photo)

TRU was led by McDonalds/TRU Bookstore ‘Leader of the Pack” Duxbury with 22 points. She added eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal in 40 minutes of court time.

“It all boiled down to one shot,” she said. “We played our hearts out. We played some of our best basketball and that is all you can ask. It is unfortunate. They hit a great shot and we ran out of time.”

Kassie Colonna watched by Kamloops native Nicole Karstein (Andrew Snucins photo)

Emma Piggin (first year, guard, Kamloops, BC) had 15 points while Taiya Worsfold (fourth year, forward, Kamloops, BC) added 13 and Kassie Colonna (third year, forward, Invermere, BC) added 11.

Taiysa Worsfold shoots (Andrew Snucins photo)

Reeves said the program has come a long way in his nine years. This season—winning the Explorer Division going 18-2 and capturing their first playoff victory in four seasons.  “I am proud of these kids. We have made some big strides as a program. There is a lot of people who are shedding tears and are upset. That means they are invested in what is going on here. I couldn’t be prouder.”

Duxbury defended by Vikes Jessica Renfrew (Andrew Snucins photo)

Duxbury is the only WolfPack player not eligible to return. She had this comment on how the program has progressed in her five year tenure. “Just as a whole. It is much more well-rounded. My first year we didn’t’ make playoffs. I think we only had six wins. The recruits that we are getting now—they are academically inclined. The whole program is going up.”

Renfrew gets her arm up against Worsfold (Andrew Snucins photo)

Sinclair on Victoria returning to the Canada West Final Four, which goes next week (Mar 7-8) : “This is big. It is a big accomplishment but I think that if we can start defending we have an opportunity to beat anybody. I am going to let this sink in before we start thinking of next week. This was a crazy weekend.  I am proud of our girls but hats off to the TRU team.”

Katie Woo: WolfPack Communication Specialist

- The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack baseball team were defeated 10-1 in exhibition play against the Abbotsford Cardinals today.

Nelson Lipszyc (Calgary, BC) gave up 6 hits and 4 runs. He walked 2 and struck out 2 batters over 5 innings.

Luc Simpson (Aldergrove, BC) went 1-1 with a double and RBI.

Connor Rogers (Delta, BC) went 1-3 from the plate.

The ‘Pack will return to Bremerton, WA to face Olympic Community College for a double header on Sunday (Mar 1).

By Nicole Betker: U of S Sports Info

The visiting Thompson Rivers University WolfPack jumped out to an early lead and never looked back en route to an 81-75 Game 2 win over the top seeded and No. 6 ranked University of Saskatchewan Huskies Saturday night at St. Joseph High School in Saskatoon.

The best-of-three Canada West quarterfinal series is now tied at one leading to a deciding third game Sunday night at 7 p.m. at the PAC.

As they did in Game 1 on Friday night, the WolfPack got off to a quick start on the Huskies. Thompson Rivers jumped out to a 16-0 lead holding the Huskies scoreless for over eight minutes of the opening quarter. Saskatchewan was able to find their scoring touch, the Huskies were able to close the gap to 17-11 by the end of the first but would lead in the contest. The green and white finished the quarter shooting just 26% and committed five turnovers.
Despite trailing for the entire game, Saskatchewan made it close late in the fourth quarter. Down 11 with 4:23 to play the Huskies went on a quick spurt capped off by a Ben Baker shot from long range with just under two minutes to go to cut the lead to 71-69. Three WolfPack went to the line in the next three possessions knocking down all six attempts to help pull away as the Huskies tried to extend the game.

Brett Parker led the WolfPack offensive attack with a game-high 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting. Parker hit all three of his shots from beyond the arc. Tallon Milne posted a double-double for the WolfPack with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Canada West First Team All-Star Josh Wolfram came just a rebound short of recording a double-double of his own finishing the night with 17 points and nine rebounds respectively.

Six Huskies hit the double-digit mark in scoring on Saturday night. Andrew Henry and Dadrian Collins led the way with 12 points each.

Saskatchewan looked like they might start to reel in the WolfPack when Collins opened the second frame with a made three point shot followed by another Huskie basket. The WolfPack put together another run of their own, refusing to let the top seed in the Canada West back into the game. Reese Pribilsky and Parker connected on back-to-back three’s extending the lead to 33-16. Thompson Rivers took a 49-43 lead into halftime.

The Huskies continued to try to work away at the gap in the third, putting together an early 8-0 run. Unable like a night earlier when the Huskie defence shut down the WolfPack attack, Thompson Rivers continued to keep a comfortable lead for the majority of the period holding a 57-50 lead after three quarters.

The third and final game of the Canada West quarter-final series tips off Sunday night at 7 p.m. back at the PAC now that the 2015 CIS Men’s Volleyball Championship has concluded.

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s basketball team came close—but not close enough in their third and deciding game of the Canada West quarterfinal series with the host University of Saskatchewan Huskies. The WolfPack held a one point lead at the half (43-42) but fell to the number one ranked Huskies 84-71 on Sunday night (Mar 1). Saskatchewan wins the series and will host the Canada West final four showdown next weekend.

Dadrian Collins goes up against WolfPack (Josh Schaefer photo)

Thompson Rivers led 27-23 after the first quarter.

“They are a quality basketball team,” said WolfPack coach Scott Clark. “ During the last part of the regular season and the last couple of weeks, we ran into some injuries and in this series I think their physicality took us away from what we wanted to do.”

Brett Rouault in this game (Josh Schaefer photo)

Brett Rouault (fifth year, guard, Vernon, BC) led the way offensively for Thompson Rivers with 33 points. He had 19 in the first half.

Reese Pribilsky (Josh Schaefer photo)

Reese Pribilsky (fourth year, guard, Victoria, BC) contributed 17 points—11 in the first half.

Josh Mayorga tries to stop Dadrian Collins (Josh Schaefer photo)

Saskatchewan got 30 points from Matthew Forbes. He had half of those points in the first half. Dadrian Collins chipped in with 17 points while Evan Ostertag added 10.

Brett Parker in his last CIS game (Josh Schaefer photo)

Ben Baker contributed 16 rebounds with 14 of them coming on defense.
Despite being eliminated, the WolfPack had a number of first’s in the 2015 post season. It included their first series win (a 2-0 sweep of the Winnipeg Wesmen in the play in series) and taking the Huskies to the limit in their quarterfinal. In 2014, Saskatchewan swept TRU in their quarterfinal.

Matt Forbes battles against Josh Mayorga and Tallon Milne of the ‘Pack (Josh Schaefer photo)

“Every year you hope for growth and that’s what I think we achieved,” said Clark reflecting on the post season success of his team. “ Last year we came in here (Saskatoon) and were a little overwhelmed. But this year we competed and represented the university well. We can be proud of that. If you look at this game alone it was a failure. But if you look at this being an every day process that you work on from the end of last season until now it was a success. I am proud of the players for their effort and they should be too.”

This game marked the end of the CIS careers of three members of Thompson Rivers: Rouault, Brett Parker (guard, Langley, BC) and Tallon Milne (forward, Vanderhoof, BC). All three were playing their fifth years of university eligibility.

Katie Woo: WolfPack baseball communications

The Thompson Rivers University baseball team split a pair of games with Olympic Community College.

Mike Riddle (Andrew Snucins photo)

Mike Riddle (Surrey, BC) threw 3 innings. He gave up 5 hits and five runs. Riddle struck out 2 hitters and walked 2.

Blayne Halland (Andrew Snucins photo)

Blayne Halland (Kamloops, BC) went 2-5 with a double.

Will Miller (Andrew Snucins photo)

Will Miller (Nelson, BC) went 2-5 with a double and a RBI. Miller also stole a base.

In the nightcap the ‘Pack were able to bounce back and finished the day with a 5-2 win over Olympic.

Regan Gillis (Andrew Snucins photo)

The winning pitcher, Regan Gillis (For McMurray, AB) threw 5 innings giving up 4 hits and 2 runs. He walked 1 and struck out 2.

Jason Tripp (Allen Douglas photo)

Jason Tripp (Sherwood Park, AB) contributed gaving up only 1 hit and struck out 3 over 2 innings.

John Young (Allen Douglas photo)

Offence for the ‘Pack was led by John Young (For McMurray, BC) who went 2-3 with a double and 3 RBI.

Ethan Mohan (Andrew Snucins photo)

Ethan Mohan (Calgary, AB) went 1-3 with a double and a RBI.

Luc Simpson (Andrew Snucins photo)

Luc Simpson (Aldergrove, BC) rounded out the offence going 2-5 with an RBI and 2 stolen bases.

The WolfPack will return to Washington, this time Moses Lake, next weekend for another weekend of double headers against Big Bend Community College and Green River Community College.

Katie Woo: WolfPack baseball communications
First year infielder for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack, Morgan Varley sets his sights on a Canadian College Baseball Conference championship. Even as a first year player with only exhibition games under his belt, Varley fills the role of a competitive newcomer capable of increasing his team’s level of play.

The Victoria, BC native grew up playing baseball and growing in his confidence as a player. “I started playing T-ball when I was 5 years old. I was always confident that I would be able to excel at this level of play. I knew that if I worked hard on and off the field that success would hopefully follow,” said Varley.

He joins the WolfPack to begin his university career and intends to contribute to their success.

“My personal goal for the year was just to be an everyday starter on the team, I don’t care about any statistics or personal awards. The most important goal of mine is to help this team achieve a CCBC championship in May”.

Despite their success in both exhibition and league play recently, the team has yet to capture the championship title since 2009. Preparation for this goal has become the dominating focus for the group.

One of the ways they prepare for this goal is their annual spring training trip to Arizona. “Arizona was a great experience, it is always fun to go down south and play against very good American teams.  It’s even better when we beat those teams.  It was a great trip for me personally, and it also brought the team even closer together,” said Varley.

In the short time he has played for the ‘Pack, Varley has already experienced success. As a first timer in the ‘Pack’s annual campaign below the border he hit .257 with 7 RBI over the 12 games.

The team celebrated their best record for their Arizona trip this year, winning 6 out of their 12 games.

Varley had an idea of what to expect when he joined the WolfPack roster. “I knew that we were going to be a very good team and we would be playing baseball for hours every day.  On the field most of us work incredibly hard day in and day out, and many of us work hard in the weight room and in the classroom.”

Like many of his teammates, Varley was excited to join the “brotherhood” of TRU baseball and play for the highly respected head coach Ray Chadwick. “I came here because Ray is a great coach, Kamloops is close to Victoria, TRU offers great education, and the team is like a family, and that family was something I wanted to be a part of.”

“We are also a very close family, most guys would do anything for the guy next to them both on and off the field.”

Varley and the WolfPack are heading down to Moses Lake, WA for their next exhibition games Friday (Mar 6). The team will play the first game of the weekend on Friday followed by a double header Saturday (Mar 7) and Sunday (Mar 8).

The ‘Pack continues the push towards their regular season, which will begin March 21 in Nanaimo.

The 2014-15 Canada West season was one of a number of firsts for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s basketball program.

Scott Reeves’ ninth season at the helm of the program saw the WolfPack win their first Canada West regular season divisional title.  Thompson Rivers went 18-2 to capture the ‘Explorer Division’ crown.

As a result of that, they hosted their first league playoff-a memorable quarterfinal series with the University of Victoria Vikes. Victoria won the series in three games but all three were close and the WolfPack victory in game two was the first post season win in school history.

During the course of the season, the ‘Pack went on a 15 game unbeaten streak which resulted in being an honorable mention in the CIS top 10 rankings twice and a number 10 position once.

WolfPack head coach Scott Reeves (Andrew Snucins photo)

“I am very proud of this group and the many that have gone before us to pave the way for where we are today,” said Reeves when asked about the year.  “We are a nationally recognized program now, finished in the top ten rankings and were two seconds away from still playing this year in the final four of the Canada West. So many people have played a part in that and we are thankful as a program to them all.”

Reeves explains at the bench (Andrew Snucins photo)

The coach says most pleasant surprise of the year when he looks back was the continued commitment of his players. ““They put out a great effort in practice. They are always challenging each other. We help each other to become the best we are capable of becoming.”

Individually, Reeves was named the Canada West coach of the year and the ‘Pack had three players honored with all-star selections.

Jorri Duxbury (Andrew Snucins photo)

Jorri Duxbury (fifth year, guard, Salmon Arm, BC) was a Canada West second team all-star.  Taiysa Worsfold (fourth year, Kamloops, BC) was a third team all-star while Michelle Bos (first year, guard, Surrey, BC) was named to the Canada West Rookie all-star team.

Taiysa Worsfold (Andrew Snucins photo)

Jor and Tay have had terrific years and have led a young team to hosting our first ever home playoff series,” says Reeves. “They are model student athletes and deserve to be recognized as all stars in our conference.”

Jorri Duxbury (Andrew Snucins photo)

Duxbury led the Canada West in steals in the regular season (3.2), 12 th in blocks (0.8 per game), 22^nd in scoring (12.8 per game).  Worsfold was ninth in steals (2.3) and 21^st in scoring (13 per game). Bos was third in the Canada West in rebounds per game (11.3), defensive rebounds (152) and offensive rebounds (73).  Bos was also 16 th in blocks (14).  She had 12 games where she had a ‘double double’ (over 10 points and 10 rebounds).

Michelle Bos (Andrew Snucins photo)

Says Reeves about Bos: “Michelle has had a terrific rookie campaign. She is incredibly hard working, a great teammate and as talented a freshman as we have ever had. Her IQ is a tremendous asset to our team. She is very deserving of being named to the All-Rookie team.”

Bos through traffic (Allen Douglas photo)

Looking ahead to the 2015-16 campaign, Duxbury is the only member of the current roster who definitely won’t be back after utilizing all five years of her eligibility.

Jordan Maclean sat out this year after coming over from Mount Royal University (Andrew Snucins photo)

Jordan MacLean (guard, Hinton, AB)  ‘red shirted’ this year after joining TRU from Mount Royal University.  She will be eligible to play next season.

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s basketball program showed more continued improvement in the Canada West in 2014-15.

The WolfPack’s season came to an end last weekend (Mar 1) when they stretched their quarterfinal series with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies to a third and deciding game.  This followed their winning a ‘play in’ series in two straight over the University of Winnipeg Wesmen.

WolfPack head coach Scott Clark (Andrew Snucins photo)

“We finished 11-9 during the regular season and waited till the final weekend of the year to make it into the playoffs,” stated WolfPack head coach Scott Clark.  “We finished on a good note but we dropped some games that caused us some issues.  I thought we played good basketball through the middle of December through to the middle of January.  But injuries came into play.  We lacked continuity and we lost our way a little bit. In the last few weeks of the regular season we started to get guys back from injuries and found our groove again.  As a result, we played good basketball again.  The last four weeks of the season as well was good.”

Jump ball for Tallon Milne in Game 2 of CW QF (Cameron So photo)

Clark says progress was made especially in the post season. ‘It is the evolution of the program.  You always hope for growth: individuals (academic and athletic) and as a team. I felt there was growth within the leadership group, in terms of our view of ourselves as a Canada West institution.  When you see growth you have to be pleased.  You would like it to be leaps and bounds but that is very difficult to accomplish. We took another step forward this year.”

WolfPack fifth year players this year (l-r): Brett Parker, Tallon Milne and Brett Rouault (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack lose three players for sure due to graduation: guards Brett Parker (Langley, BC), Brett Rouault (Vernon, BC) and forward Tallon Milne (Vanderhoof, BC).   Clark said all three made a major contribution to the growth of the program during their time at TRU and finished their CIS careers by giving a maximum effort. “If you were to ask all three of them if they had any regrets about their performance or preparation they wouldn’t have any.  We were two games short of going to the National Tournament.  You wouldn’t want that to define a season or a career. It would have been nice. We are missing out on five games and five or six practices. It would have been nice to be together with the guys for that time because the relationships you build are special and fun. But it doesn’t define what they are all about.  I think they feel pretty good about where they leave the program and they feel pretty good about where they are going on their lives.”

Josh Wolfram in Game 3 of Canada West QF (Josh Schaefer/Huskie Athletics)

Statistically: Josh Wolfram (forward, Kamloops, BC) and Reese Pribilsky (guard, Victoria, BC) had breakout campaigns in their fourth year.  Wolfram was a Canada West first team all-star. He was the top scorer in the Explorer Division and sixth overall averaging 18 points per game, second in points per 40 minutes (25.4), third in three point per cent (45.8), fourth in rebounds per game (9.9), sixth in total rebounds (158) and seventh in defensive rebounds (127).

Reese Pribilsky (Josh Schaefer/Huskie Athletics)

“Both those guys return and over the last couple of years have been mainstays on the team,” Clark states about his future fifth year veterans. “It will be a third year moving forward. From that perspective you have to feel good about them returning.  They were consistent in the league and playoffs. I feel good about that.  I think the other players coming back too all grew this year.”

Josh Mayorga vs Saskatchewan (Calvin So photo)

The WolfPack had only two first year players on their roster in 2014-15.  Josh Mayorga (guard, Langley, BC) and Joe Davis (forward, Kamloops, BC).  Mayorga was named to the Canada West all-rookie team. “You hope they will have an increased role on the team next year but nothing is guaranteed. It is one of the things we talk about all the time is if you can work with nothing guaranteed. That is the nature of sport. Certainly, if they do work hard and things go well for them you would hope their games grow and academically they grow. In growth, there is a larger role for them.  But there is nothing guaranteed.  I was pleased with their performance as freshmen but they need to know that they have talent. If they do what they are supposed to do things will go well for them.  But there is work to be done.”

Joe Davis (Andrew Snucins photo)

The coach will do his exit interviews with players with eligibility left in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, he will be hitting the road to recruit for 2015-16.

WolfPack recruit Jeff Tubbs (photo submitted)

“We are looking for good players and good people,” Clark explains.” After that, we will see where they fit into the mix in terms of positions.  At this time of the year, your return on investment on recruiting isn’t that great. For every 10 players you see, talk to or visit the campus you will get three out of that.  We return most of our players from last year. If everyone decides to return and we have one recruit so far (Jeff Tubbs of Mount Boucherie Secondary (Kelowna, BC).  We would then need at least four or five guys to come in.  We have to get out and see a lot of players and put a lot of lines in the water and see what we come out with.”

Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s volleyball coach Pat Hennelly has gone on record as saying his recruiting class for 2015-16 is the strongest he has had in years.

With that in mind, Hennelly has added another strong player to that class.  The WolfPack are pleased to announce that 6’7” outside hitter Joshua Mullaney (pronounced Muh-Lane-ee)  of Calgary, Alberta has joined the CIS program effective September.

WolfPack recruit Josh Mullaney (photo submitted)

Mullaney will be graduating this June from Centennial High School and will be taking courses at TRU geared to a achieving a Bachelor of Business Administration.

“Ever since I was a child I have dreamed of living in British Columbia and the fact I will get to spend the next five years of my life in Kamloops is a dream come true,” Mullaney stated. ‘I count the days until the end of August in anticipation of for my first semester at TRU and being a member of the WolfPack.”

Mullaney up for the kill (photo submitted)

He had a number of scholarship offers including those from Alberta, UBC, MacEwan and UBCO but finally decided on TRU.  “ I narrowed it down to UBC and TRU. It wasn’t an easy choice but TRU seems to have a better environment for their athletes and they build their teams and individuals very well. I am thrilled with my choice and wouldn’t change it for anything.  I have always liked small schools. TRU is incredibly beautiful and the recruiting class in my opinion is one of the best in the country. I’ve also heard nothing but good things about the coaching. I am excited to work with the group of guys there. It seems like an amazing environment that Pat has developed. Pat’s ability to develop players similar to myself is unmatched in Canada.”

Mullaney is a two time member of Team Alberta (U-16 and U-17).   He was also a provincial all-star in U-17.  His club team (Elite West Volleyball Club), won the bronze medal at the 2014 Club Nationals and was an all-star at that championship.

2014 Team Alberta -Josh is #13, Kyle Beheils is #3 while fellow ‘Pack recruit Tristan Dexter is second from left in back row (photo: Alberta Volleyball Association)

With Team Alberta: he is teammates with two other WolfPack recruits: Tristan Dexter (Sherwood Park, AB) and Kyle Behiels (Edmonton, AB).  The three won the National U-17 Western Elite championship last summer.  “Playing alongside both of them the last two years was really great,” Mullaney stated. “Being a part of the energy that those two gave to the court was incredibly lucky for me. I am really looking forward to the years to come and I am hoping we can help one another improve.”

WolfPack recruit Kyle Behiels

“I was pretty excited when I found out he was coming,’ says Behiels. “ I would like to believe that it might have been a combination of Tristan, Cole Keddie (first year WolfPack outside hitter from Edmonton, AB) and myself that influenced him,” he laughs.

“Josh is one of the smarted players I have ever seen,” Behiels continues. “I believe he could be incredibly successful with just his smart shots and tips.  Both years with Team Alberta he was the focal point of our offense. He is an impressive right side.  I think anyone who has played with Josh has good chemistry with him.  He has a great sense of humor and knows how to get under an opponent’s skin.”

Cole Keddie (Andrew Snucins photo)

“I am really excited Josh is joining our program,’ stated Keddie. “ Playing against him in AVA tournaments was really fun and he was a big factor in his team’s success in provincials and nationals. It is awesome to know that more Alberta recruits are coming to Kamloops. I hope there will be more to come.”

Mullaney (left white) up for block with Team Alberta (photo submitted)

“I would like to believe that I play a smart game as a swinger,’ explains Mullaney. “ I think I excel mainly in blocking and lately my defense. I am really excited to work on my ball control as an outside hitter, which is mostly likely the part of my game I need to work on the most.”

WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly (Allen Douglas photo)

“I am very excited to have another excellent prospect in Josh Mullaney joining the WolfPack,’ says coach Hennelly. “ I have already stated that this recruiting class is one of our strongest and Josh has certainly made this the best group of incoming high school players that we have had in the ten years since TRU has competed in the CIS.  Josh has a tremendous upside in volleyball. He has an excellent block jump and maybe the highest of any player we have had in our program. I believe the transition for Josh will be smooth from high school to CIS. Josh has a very high VB IQ and he has the height  height and vertical to stand out in this league. He is a great fit with the other incoming recruits and makes for a bright future for Thompson Rivers.”

WolfPack recruit: middle Sam Taylor-Parks of Kelowna

Other recruits this year aside from Mullaney, Behiels and Dexter are:  Sam Taylor Parks (17,6’7” middle, Kelowna, BC/Kelowna Secondary-Team BC/Kelowna Klutch) and Charlie Bringloe (17, 6’6”,outside hitter, Waterloo, ON/Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary-Team Ontario/London VBC).

WolfPack recruit: outside hitter Charlie Bingloe of Ontario

The WolfPack lost four players to graduation following the 2014-15 season: outside hitters Casey Knight (Salt Spring Island, BC) and Stuart Richey (Roberts Creek, BC), along with liberos Matt Krueger (Abbotsford, BC) and Blake Majcher (Brandon, MB).

2014-15 Fifth year players (l-r): Casey Knight, Stuart Richey, Blake Majcher and Matt Krueger (Andrew Snucins photo)

SIDE OUTS:  Mullaney  credits his father David and current club coach Fraser MacLeod as being his biggest influences   His father for teaching him the fundamentals of the game and MacLeod for working hard with him on refining his skill set and making him a top outside recruit.  He also lists Team Alberta U-17 coach Ken McLaughlin as one of his favorites for helping him improve on his defense.  “His friendly attitude makes athletes want to win for him,” he states.

As far as his greatest sports moment thus far: “Winning national bronze in u17, the previous year we were a very self-absorbed team, very cocky and thought teams would roll over due to the logo on our chests, but throughout the season we lost to teams that we shouldn’t have, and we ended up finishing 18^th in u16 nationals. After that season we realized that we need to train like number 2, to be number 1. Although we didn’t finish where we were hoping, it always puts a smile on my facing thinking of our growth as a team and individuals, getting 3^rd at nationals is easily my fondest sports moment.”

Hennelly also has praise for Fraser MacLeod: “I want to thank him for the work he does developing great young athletes like Josh in the sport of volleyball.”

Alex Reid is hoping you want to become a donor.  The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack pitcher is appealing to Kamloopsians between the ages of 17 and 35 to become stem cell donors.

Reid has spearheaded an effort to have Canadian Blood Services hold a clinic on March 12 th at the TRU WolfPack’s ‘Wolf’s Den team room”.

Alex Reid (Andrew Snucins photo)

“I’m doing this for two reasons,” Reid explains.  I want to raise awareness for the foundation that is saving people’s lives. It gets pushed aside a lot by the blood donation aspect and is over looked. It can be the difference between someone beating cancer or not and I want to give people that opportunity.”

The other reason is a little closer to home for the Canadian Collegiate Baseball Conference All-Star: “ Someone very close to me in my family needs an immune system transplant. It’s done by replacing the body’s stem cells. This event could hopefully find her a match because currently there isn’t one in the bank at the moment.”

Potential donors aren’t being asked to give blood. It is a swab of the inside of their mouth.  “

Reid says: “This started just as a passing thought and never really thought it would come together but it has. I started by calling Canadian Blood Services to see what it would take to get it going. I thought it would have been a tough process but has turned out to be easier than I thought.”

Michelle Bos (Andrew Snucins photo)

Many other WolfPack athletes heard about the project and jumped in to help.  “It worked out well because Michelle Bos from women’s basketball was looking at doing an event. We have teamed together and it has worked out amazingly.”

Reid adds:  “ I am hoping to achieve a greater awareness in the young people of Kamloops about the joy not only this foundation but other organizations who help people strive for better lives. “

The clinic will be run from 10 am to 2 pm on March 12 th.   The TRU WolfPack “Wolf’s Den is located on the second floor of the Tournament Capital Centre.

For more information you can call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6233) or you could email Alex Reid at alex.reid31@gmail.com.

Katie Woo: WolfPack baseball communications

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack baseball team lost 3-0 to Big Bend Community College.

Alex Reid (Allen Douglas photo)

Alex Reid (Kamloops, BC) threw 6 innings. He gave up 5 hits, 2 runs and struck out 5.

Tony Tabor (Allen Douglas photo)

2014 Canadian College Baseball Conference All-Star, Tony Tabor (White Rock, BC) led the offense going 1-3.

The ‘Pack will face Big Bend again Saturday (Mar 7) in a double header.

Katie Woo: WolfPack baseball communications

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack baseball team bounced back after a tough loss yesterday to defeat Big Bend Community College and Green River Community College.

In the first game of the day the ‘Pack defeated Big Bend 5-3.

The TRU bullpen put together a strong performance.

Frank Fisico (Andrew Snucins photo)

Frank Fisico (Toronto, ON) started on the mound and threw 5 1/3 innings. Fisico gave up 7 hits, 3 runs, as well as walking 2 and striking out 3.

Mike Gilfillan (Andrew Snucins photo)

Mike Gilfillan (Kamloops, BC) threw another 2 2/3 innings. He gave up 3 hits, walked two and struck out 1.

Jason Tripp (Sherwood Park, AB) closed the game throwing 1 inning and striking out a batter.

Blayne Halland (Andrew Snucins photo)

Blayne Halland (Kamloops, BC) went 2-4 from the plate with a double and a RBI.

Evan Douglas (Andrew Snucins photo)

Evan Douglas (White Rock, BC) contributed going 2-4. Douglas hit his second home run of spring season and drove in 2 runs.

In the nightcap TRU beat Green River 7-5.

Erik Brownell (Andrew Snucins photo)

The winning pitcher was Erik Brownell (North Vancouver, BC) who threw 1 inning giving up 3 hits.

Mike Riddle (Andrew Snucins photo)

Mike Riddle (Surrey, BC) was the starting pitcher. He threw 4 innings, gave up no hits and walked 4 hitters.

Jason Tripp (Andrew Snucins photo)

Jason Tripp (Sherwood Park, AB) threw 1 inning and struck out a hitter, registering another save. The veteran closer has 7 saves in the past 11 TRU wins.

Ethan Mohan (Andrew Snucins photo)

TRU offence was led by Ethan Mohan (Calgary, AB) who went 1-3 adding another home run and RBI for the WolfPack.

Luc Simpson (Andrew Snucins photo)

Luc Simpson (Aldergrove BC) went 2-5 with a double and 2 RBI.

Tony Tabor (Andrew Snucins photo)

Tony Tabor (White Rock, BC) went 1-3 adding another double and 2 RBI.

Katie Woo: WolfPack baseball communications

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack baseball won a consecutive double header against Big Bend Community College and Green River Community College bringing their weekend record to 4-1.

In the first game of the day the ‘Pack defeated Big Bend Community College 9-6.

Regan Gillis (Allan Douglas photo)

The winning pitcher was Regan Gillis (Fort McMurray, AB) who threw 6 innings. He gave up 9 hits, 4 runs, and walked 2 hitters and struck out 1.

Jason Tripp (Allen Douglas photo)

Jason Tripp (Sherwood Park, AB) added to his record of saves, closing the game for the ‘Pack. He gave up 1 hit and struck out 1 in 1 inning.

Brendan Reid (Andrew Snucins photo)

Offensively, Brendan Reid (Calgary, AB) went 3-5, scoring 3 runs and stole a base.

Isaiah McDonald (Andrew Snucins photo)

Isaiah McDonald (Fort McMurray, AB) went 2-4, scored 2 runs as well, and stole a base.

Luc Simpson (Allen Douglas photo)

Luc Simpson (Aldergrove, BC) went 3-5 with 2 RBI.

Evan Douglas

Evan Douglas (White Rock, BC) went 1-3 with a double and drove in another 2 runs.

Connor Rogers shovels ball to Regan Gillis (Allen Douglas photo)

Conner Rogers (Delta, BC) went 2-3 adding a double and a RBI.

Nelson Lipszyk (Andrew Snucins photo)

To finish the weekend Nelson Lipszyc (Calgary, AB) handed Green River Community College a complete game shutout with a final score of 16-0. Lipszyc threw 7 innings, giving up 4 hits and struck out 1 hitter.

Tony Tabor (Andrew Snucins photo)

At the plate, Tony Tabor (White Rock, BC) went 1-3 with 2 RBI.

Ethan Mohan (Andrew Snucins photo)

Ethan Mohan (Calgary, AB) also went 1-3 and drove in another 2 run.

Josh Hillis

Josh Hillis (Calgary, AB) rounded out the offence as the third player for the ‘Pack to go 1 for 3 with 2 RBI.

The WolfPack will return to Moses Lake, WA next weekend (Mar 13-15) for another weekend of games against Big Bend Community College.

Day 2 of the 2015 Swim BC Senior Open Provincial Swimming Championships, March 8 to 9, 2015 at UBC saw both TRU Swimmers make second swims at the Championships.

Jagdeesh Uppal (Andrew Snucins photo)

Jagdeesh Uppal finished 4^th in the 50 Breaststroke with a time of 33.16 and 6^th in the 200 Breaststroke with a time of 2:45.63.

Sarah McChesney (Andrew Snucins photo)

Sarah McChesney in the 18 & Under Girls placed 2^nd in the Consolation Final with a time of 1:01.46 and 7^th in the consolation final of the 50 Back with a time of 34.46.

Katie Woo: WolfPack baseball communications

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack baseball team head into their final weekend of exhibition games against Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, WA.

The weekend will consist of 5 games, 1 on Friday (Mar 13) and two on both Saturday and Sunday (Mar 14-15).

WolfPack coach Ray Chadwick (Andrew Snucins photo)

Ray Chadwick, WolfPack head coach has noticed the changes in his team since the beginning of exhibition in the fall. “Defense has been our biggest improvement. Not making a lot of errors and making some great plays.”

Chadwick is confident in his team and also recognizes what needs to be tweaked as they near regular season play. “If we execute a bit more and a few more hits with runners in scoring position. Our pitching has been great we’ve played pretty good defense and just need our hitters to execute and be a little more consistent with runners in scoring position.”

Regular season for the ‘Pack in their 2015 Canadian College Baseball Conference campaign begins Mar 21-22 in Nanaimo, BC against the Vancouver Island Baseball Institute Mariners.

Michelle Bos has become the second player in the history of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s basketball team to be named a CIS All-Rookie All-Star.

Bos (guard, Surrey, BC), a graduate of Holy Cross Secondary School was announced as an All-Star at the CIS awards banquet in Laval, Quebec.

Michelle Bos (Andrew Snucins photo)

“It was very humbling to learn I was named to the All-Star team,” said Bos, who decided to forgo a trip to Quebec in order to help out at a Canadian Blood Services stem cell clinic she helped coordinate.  “One of the goals as a rookie was to do my best and help my teams.  I think I was able to achieve than and it was really nice to be recognized for it as well.

Bos goes up against Victoria in the Canada West playoffs (Andrew Snucins photo)

Previously, she was named to the Canada West All Rookie team.  She was third in the CIS in rebounds per game (11.3) and defensive rebounds (152) and sixth offensive rebounds (73). She had 12 games where she had a ‘double double’ (over 10 points and 10 rebounds).

WolfPack head coach Scott Reeves (Andrew Snucins photo)

WolfPack head coach Scott Reeves said about Bos: “Michelle has had a terrific rookie campaign. She is incredibly hard working, a great teammate and as talented a freshman as we have ever had. Her IQ is a tremendous asset to our team. She is very deserving of being named to the All-Rookie team.”

Former WolfPack player Diane Schuetze was a CIS All Rookie member and later a CIS First Team All-Star (Rob Weitzel photo)

Diane Schuetze (Vernon, BC) became the first TRU player ever to be named to the CIS women’s basketball All Rookie All-Star.  That happened in 2008-09.

Members of the WolfPack men’s basketball team took time out from studies to spend two hours answering phones at Royal Inland Hospital. Organized by fifth year guard Brett Rouault, the players were a part of the first ever RIH Foundation Radiothon on Radio NL 610 AM.

(l-r) Reese Pribilsky, Brett Rouault, Luke Morris, Josh Mayorga, Victor Aguero, Joe Davis

Victor Aguero takes a pledge

Getting ready to answer phones

Reese Pribilsky takes a call

A vast majority of the WolfPack Athletic program joined TRU students and others from the commnity to become stem cell donors. The initiative was spearheaded by baseball player Alex Reid with help from women’s basketball player Michelle Bos, a nursing student.  The result was nearly 300 people registered with Canadian Blood Services.

Congrats to Brad Gunter of the WolfPack men’s volleyball team. He was chosen as the Sport BC University Athlete of the Year for 2014. In that year, he started for Canada’s Junior Men’s National Team, was Canada West and CIS Player of the Year and was a first team all star in both leagues.

The first ‘Thompson Rivers University WolfPack led ‘stem cell donor clinic to be held in Kamloops is being deemed a success.

In excess of 250 people attended the four clinic which was held Thursday (Mar 12) at the TRU Athletic offices at the Tournament Capital Centre.

Alex Reid (right) and teammate Malcolm Upton

“It exceeded my wildest dreams,” said WolfPack baseball player Alex Reid, who spearheaded the effort. “I can’t believe the response from the community and my ‘second’ family: the WolfPack athletes.”
Reid felt not only was the event successful in getting possible donors for people needing transplants but also to get the issue more publicity. “I feel that most people will identify with giving blood but this is the new technology on trying to save people’s lives with cancer. We had a good mix today: athletics, people from the TRU, people from the community and those with different ethnic backgrounds. I feel that it was really good.”

WolfPack athletes were volunteers and donors

Gayle Voyer is the Territory Manager for Canadian Blood Services: “This was great exposure for our program. We want more people to contact the ‘One Match Registry’ and this was a good opportunity.”
She hopes that this becomes an annual event. “Tying into TRU and the WolfPack is a great match. We are looking for people 17-35 as potential donors. Athletic males are the best candidates for a match. It was a great opportunity to spread the word and to let people know they can be on the registry until the age of 60.”

WolfPack baseball and men’s volleyblal players standing in line to be donors

Reid was touched by the support shown by his fellow athletes. “It means everything. They are my extended family. To have their support and have my back feels huge to me. If I could thank them all individually I would.”

Reid wanted to stage the clinic after learning his step sister needed an immune system transplant for a form of lymphoma. He contacted Canadian Blood Services to help stage the clinic. His relative was on hand for the clinic and spent some time talking with potential donors. “She thought just bringing the issue to the forefront and to see so many people respond was a huge success,” he said. “Hopefully of the 250 people that came out, maybe we could get as many as 10 donors.”

Potential donors were swabbed at the clinic. They will be sent to Canadian Blood Services in Ottawa for testing. The donors information will be put into the ‘One Match Registry’. Should there be a match they will be contacted.

For more information on the program: you can call 1-888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6233).