The Kamloops Heat are hoping to finish the 2013  Pacific Coast Soccer League men’s premier league season up strong this weekend.  The Heat are hosting the Victoria Highlanders on Saturday (July 13) and the Vancouver Thunderbirds Sunday (July 14) at Hillside Stadium.

Kamloops enters the weekend with seven wins, three losses and two ties.   They are sitting in third spot in the league but contrary to earlier reports, the Heat do not have a playoff spot locked up.

Heat and WolfPack co head coach Sean Wallace

“With the information we just found out, these games become very important to our post season plans,” says Heat and Thompson Rivers University WolfPack co-head coach Sean Wallace. “ The host team for the playoffs (Coquitlam) is awarded a spot in the playoffs so we need to finish top three. If we win both our home games this weekend we are in for sure,  If we win on Saturday and tie on Sunday we are in.  If Vancouver wins both of their games on the weekend (including the one against us) then they get third place.”

Nolan Wallace in air (Allan Douglas)

The Heat, who are made up entirely of current and former players of the PACWEST Thompson Rivers University WolfPack have had a great season in this, the first one since they moved up to the premier league.  “ With the team we have, we felt we could compete with anyone in the league,” says Wallace. “ I think we have proven that. Maybe we should have continued to play on the road.”

Adam Dodgson and Kyle Fertile look back at Nolan Wallace

The Heat have been road warriors this season and won four in a row away from home at one point.  Wallace explains why the team has advanced so quickly “ Familiarity with each other. All the players have played for us in the past or are current TRU players. I think that has been a big part of it. I think the guys kind of like the underdog label and have stepped up and played some really nice soccer throughout the season. We just need to step up and finish the season off strong.”

Heat and WolfPack co head coach John Antulov watches with reserves

Wallace isn’t taking either Victoria (2-8-1) or Vancouver (6-3-3) lightly.  “ Victoria is a young team that aren’t going to quit and are in a no lose situation so they will be dangerous. Mike Mosher’s  (Vancouver) teams are always strong and I think if they have a chance to make the playoffs they will try and bring the strongest team then can for Sunday. It could come down to a winner take all for that final playoff spot.”

TRU alumni and Heat forward Kyle Halvorson (Allen Douglas photo)

The Heat know they had a glorious opportunity to sew down a playoff spot  but let it slip away. “ I think we had our chance to be in a three way tie for first place with a win last weekend but we couldn’t close the deal. Every opportunity is a learning experience and we hope that our players learned from last weekend and come out a little desperate this weekend and show we belong on top.”

Heat bench look out at the action at Hillside

Kick off Saturday is 5 pm with Sunday’s match starting at 3 pm.

WolfPack women’s soccer coach Tom McManus, along with a number of his players and recruits were joined by former WolfPack men’s player Jayson Railton on Saturday (July 13). They were at Hillside Stadium helping run an evaluation of U-15 and U-17 first nations players from the area. They are vying for spots on a regional team which will compete at a provincial and national soccer championship later this summer. Here is what one of the sessions looked like:

Braeden Burrows (Allan Douglas photo)

The Kamloops Heat are pulling out all the stops in order to secure a post season berth in the Pacific Coast Soccer League men’s premier league.   The Heat opened the final two game homestand of the 2013 regular season with a 6-2 win over  the visiting Victoria Highlanders at Hillside Stadium on Saturday (July 13).

The Heat now move to eight wins, three losses and two draws while the Highlanders remain in the basement with two wins, nine losses and one draw.

Kyle Fertile (Allen Douglas photo)

Kyle Fertile (Kamloops, BC) had a hat trick for Kamloops.  The Heat got two goals from Justin Wallace (Kamloops, BC) and a single from Oriol Torres  (Barcelona, Spain).

Oriol Torres (Allen Douglas photo)

Fertile and Torres are currently members of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack of the PACWEST.  Wallace played last season at Simon Fraser University.

Justin Wallace (Allen Douglas photo)

The Heat close out their regular season Sunday (July 14) with a 3 pm home date with the Vancouver Thunderbirds. Kamloops needs at least one point to secure the third and final playoff spot in the PCSL Men’s Premier League.

It was close but not close enough as the Kamloops Heat failed to qualify for the 2013 Pacific Coast Soccer League premier men’s league playoffs.
The Heat fell 3-2 to the Vancouver Thunderbirds in their final game of the regular season Sunday (July 14) at Hillside Stadium.

The loss drops Kamloops’ record to eight wins, four losses and two ties to finish in fourth place. Vancouver wound up at eight wins, three losses and three ties for third place. Under the PCSL playoff format, the top three teams make the post season.

Heat and WolfPack co head coach Sean Wallace

“This has been a learning experience for our guys,” said Heat co head coach Sean Wallace. “ We were playing a team who are the defending CIS champions and they were able to succeed under pressure. We had our chances but we couldn’t finish.”

The Thunderbirds are made up of players currently with the UBC Thunderbirds. The Heat are made up of current and former players of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack.
“This was an important match,” said Vancouver head coach Mike Mosher. “ We both knew that it had playoff implications. Both teams had played the day before and I thought we were a little travel weary in the first half.”

The first half was a scoreless affair.

Oriol Torres with the WolfPack last year vs Langara (Allan Douglas photo)

Reynold Stewart got the Thunderbirds on the scoreboard in the 56 th minute. A minute later, Oriol Torres (Barcelona, Spain), banked a shot which snuck into a wide open Vancouver cage to even the score for Kamloops.

Heat keeper Allan Connor

The Thunderbirds went ahead 2-1 in the 77 th minute on a goal from Navid Moshruchini and got the eventual winner on a goal credited to Kyunhan Gee. Gee threw the ball in and it deflected off the arm of Heat keeper Alan Connor (Kamloops, BC) and into the net.

Justin Wallace with the Heat earlier this year (Allan Douglas photo)

Kamloops pressed and Justin Wallace (Kamloops, BC) cut the margin to a goal in the 88 th minute.

Nolan Wallace earlier this year with the Heat (Allan Douglas photo)

Connor was injured late in the match and Nolan Wallace (Kamloops, BC), the PACWEST rookie of the year in 2012 was forced to go into the nets and made a couple of big kicks.
This was the first season for Kamloops to be back in the Premier League and Sean Wallace: who is the co head coach of the TRU WolfPack believe that his players can learn from what they experienced this PCSL season as they move forward to their final year in PACWEST.

The TRU training camp begins in late August.

The association between the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s volleyball program and the city of Prince George has been a good one.  When Pat Hennelly took over as head coach of the ‘Pack, he began doing development camps in the Northern BC city.

WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly (Andrew Snucins photo)

It has resulted in seven Prince George prospects—most recently Nick Balazs, Spencer Reed, Colin Carson, Jordan Foot and Jared Mitchell making their way to Thompson Rivers to become members of the WolfPack program.

Prince George connection (L-R) Jared Mitchell, Nick Balazs, Colin Carson and Spencer Reed (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack will be the co beneficiaries of a fundraising golf tournament to be held at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club on Friday August 30 th.

Newest member of the PG/TRU connection: Jordan Foot

The team along with PG Youth Volleyball will be the benefactors of the tournament.

Colin Carson, Nick Balazs and Spencer Reed (Andrew Snucins photo)

Early bird registration is taking place now.  Cost is $90.00 per person before August  15^th.  The format is two person teams, alternate shot.   After August 15 th, the entry fee rises to $100.

Spencer Reed reading to class during Literacy Week: one of many community activiites the WolfPack MVB program does

Registration forms are available from the Prince George Youth Volleyball office or on line at pgyvc.com.  The PGYVC office is located at 3330-22^nd Avenue in Prince George.   Deadline is August 26 th.

More information is available by calling Reg Foot at (250) 961-3264 or Dan Drezet (250) 640-3305.

The WolfPack will be in August for another year of development camps.  They will be playing an exhibition match in Prince George September 27 th against the UBCO Heat.

Water fight Friday

Two weeks are now in the books at the 15 th annual TRU WolfPack/McDonald’s Sports Camps. Here are some pictures from what took place last week. A reminder that there are lots of space left for hte rest of the summer. Upcoming camps include development volleyball and basketball, golf, and more trout fishing. To find out more and to register your child, please go to www.tru.ca/sport camp. Camps run until the week of August 26-30 th.

Soccer camp with Instructor Vince

Watersports in the afternoon

Instructor of the Week: Timo Sargent and Camper of the week: Caleb

Four members of the Kamloops Heat men’s soccer team have been named to the Pacific Coast Soccer League All-star team.

Adam Dodgson (Allan Douglas photo)

Justin Wallace, Oriol Torres, Adam Dodgson and Kyle Fertile were all chosen by the PCSL Premier league head coach Chris Bennett.

Justin Wallace (Allan Douglas photo)

Torres, Wallace and Fertile were among the top scorers in the PCSL this past season.   Dodgson was a solid midfielder and defender.   All four are either current or former members of the PACWEST  Thompson Rivers University WolfPack .

Sean Wallace co head coach of WolfPack/Heat (Andrew Snucins photo)

“It is quite an honour for our team to have these four players recognized by the league in this format,” said Heat and WolfPack co head coach Sean Wallace. “ We have been happy with the play of a lot of guys this season but these four  have been a big part of our success this year and we are happy for them.”

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

Wallace co-head coached the Heat this season along with John Antulov.

Kyle Fertile (Allan Douglas photo)

The four will be honored at the PCSL playoffs later this month. They will also be eligible to play in exhibition games set up by the league.

Oriol Torres (Allan Douglas photo)

Bennett is a former  NASL and Canadian International player and an original Vancouver Whitecap.   He chose the team based on recommendations by the league’s head coaches.

Thompson Rivers University is known as a place of higher learning. That learning takes place not only in the classroom but in the athletic arena as well.  The WolfPack Athletics program and the women’s soccer program specifically will be taking a step forward in that area in 2013-14.

For the first time in their history, the WolfPack have a candidate chosen for the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Female Apprentice Coach program.

Natasha Little (Andrew Snucins photo)

Former player Natasha Little will be working with head coach Tom McManus with the WolfPack women’s soccer program beginning in mid-August.

Athletics and Recreation Director Ken Olynyk

“We have looked at this program for a number of years when our basketball and volleyball programs were in in the CCAA,” said WolfPack Director of Athletics and Recreation Ken Olynyk. “ We never had a right fit.  Tom and I wanted to get this going last year. With Natasha, I think it is a real good fit. “

“I think she is a student of the game and enjoys the coaching aspect,” he said. “She has been active within the community and coaching ranks for a number of years.  It is something that she has a passion for. It is an outstanding testing ground for her . She gets to see the whole coaching experience from the inside out. Tom will be a great mentor. When we look at this, it gives her a chance to see if this is something (coaching) she wants to pursue at a higher level.”

Little will become an associate coach with the WolfPack program, two years when she was a player and manager due to injury  (2008-10).

Little in game action vs Quest in 2010 (Andrew Snucins photo)

“Sport-soccer in particular-has always been an integral part of my life,” Little says.  “ It has helped develop me as both an athlete and person, and I would like to give back to the community that helped shape me by assisting the next generation of athletes to become stronger, faster and smarter.”

Little is a graduate of NorKam Secondary. She has also helped coach in the Kamloops Youth Soccer Association, was an instructor at TRU Sports Camps, Pacific Sport and with the Kamloops Track and Field club. 

“It is an honor to be able to transition from player to coach with the WolfPack and I am excited about the opportunity to grow as a coach under the same man who guided me as a player: Tom was a great mentor to me as a player and I know that he will be the ideal mentor for me as a coach,” she says.

WolfPack head coach Tom McManus (Andrew Snucins photo)

“I will give her tasks during the preseason, the season and the post season,” says McManus who has won the PACWEST coach of the year honor the past two campaigns. “ She will also have special assignments to do for me. I see her taking on a role in the fitness of the team.”

McManus at recent community training session

Olynyk says the fact that Little isn’t that far removed from playing the sport at a high level and at Thompson Rivers, will be a benefit to her in her new position.

Little releass the ball with Chloe McAuley watching in 2010 (Andrew Snucins photo)

“She has finished playing. She does have a close relationship with some of the girls but not so much where she can’t separate her friendship from being a coach. I think she understands some of the things the current players are going through with juggling practice and school.  She can give a lot of perspective and she can help Tom out in that regard.  I think it is outstanding that she is able to share those experiences with the kids on our team and be a liaison between Tom and the players.”

Little was a CCAA Academic All-Canadian 2010. She left TRU to graduate with a Bachelor of Science with honors from Trinity Western University this past spring.

As far as the female coaching mentorship program is concerned, Olynyk has some strong thoughts: “I have had a couple of daughters who played sport in their high school careers and continue to do so,” he explains. “ What we want are to have some role models within the coaching profession that are female. We have lots of coaches who are involved with women’s sports but few are female.  There is a variety of reasons and we have to look at why that is to rectify the situation. Without a doubt, to get someone like Natasha involved at this level and maybe have her pursue a more professional coaching stream in her life, that would be great.”

Olynyk said his first experience with a female mentorship program came when he was with the University of Toronto in the early 2000’s.  Kristine Drakich, the current U of T women’s volleyball coach was involved in a program after leaving the national women’s program.

“This is a very important program for women and I am glad we are a part of it this year.”

Little takes down Quest forward in 2010 (Andrew Snucins photo)

Little is one of 16 women across country to be involved in the CCAA Female Apprenticeship Program in 2013-14.  There are six schools doing it in women’s soccer including Capilano University and TRU in the PACWEST.

The WolfPack begin their 2013-14 training camp on August 12 th.

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack athletics program has received a financial boost from one of the city’s newest companies.  Liquid Nutrition held its opening this past Saturday (July 20) at their location at 795 McGill Road. 

members of the WolfPack soccer programs (Erin Connelly Reed photo)

The store’s owner: Archana Arora decided to make her grand opening even more special by donating half of the day’s proceeds to the WolfPack.

Cheerleaders and Wolfie with Liquid Nutrition staff and owners (Erin Connelly Reed photo)

“We attend TRU games on a regular basis, “says Archana.  “ We thought it was a great way to support the athletes and at the same time, our business  is geared towards a healthy life style.  Our potential clients will likely be athletes or athletically minded.”

Rebeca Fernandez, Josh Wolfram and Ivan Bozinovic of the WolfPack basketball program (Erin Connelly Reed photo)

“Here at Liquid Nutrition, we believe that living healthy can be fun, easy, quick and delicious,” she adds. 

Corey Storkan, Wolfie and Meghan Blakely (Erin Connelly Reed photo)

Members of the WolfPack soccer and basketball teams, along with the cheer squad and Wolfie were on hand for the grand opening.

Mike Evanson from 97.5 The River was on location with the WolfPack (Erin Connelly Reed photo)

The Athletics program will be receiving a cheque for $508.00.

Cheerleaders and Wolfie raise attention on McGill Road (Erin Connelly Reed photo)

The Kamloops location of Liquid Nutrition is the company’s 17 th in Canada.

Two members of the WolfPack men’s basketball program: Reese Pribilsky and Will Ondrik are spending this week (July 22-26) at St. Ann’s Academy as head instructors of the Passion Youth Basketball camp. The camp features players from grade six to 11. Pribilsky has run this camp in Kamloops this past two years and also directs similar programs in Victoria, Nanaimo and Kelowna. Here are some shots from the Kamloops camp.

The 5 and 10 Km races were run on Saturday (July 27) at the 2nd annual Kamloops Marathon. There were 126 racers taking part. Proceeds from this two day event will go towards scholarships for the TRU Cross Country program with 15 per cent of it going to the Boston Marathon Victims relief fund. Here are some images from Saturday’s event. The half and full marathons are set for Sunday, July 28 th starting and finishing on McArthur Island.

Faryn Brown (Andrew Snucins photo)

Runners from Kamloops along with two members of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack cross country team found themselves on the podium after the opening day of the 2013 Kamloops Marathon weekend.

Rolena DeBruyn (Andrew Snucins photo)

The five and 10 kilometer races started and finished at Hillside Stadium on Saturday (July 27). Faryn Brown and Rolena DeBruyn of the WolfPack cross country squad, who reap the most benefits from proceeds raised this weekend, finished in the top three of their respective disciplines.

Brown stands atop of the podium for 5 Km

Brown won the women’s five kilometer event in a time of 22 minutes,nine point three seconds. DeBruyn ran 10 kilometers and wound up second. Her time behind winner Yvonne Timewell of Kamloops was 49:14.4. Timewell captured the title in 43 minutes, 23 seconds.

De Bruyn is second (and second from right) in 10 K women’s

There were 126 runners of all ages competing in the two races today. Here is the break down of the top three finishers:
Men’s 5 K: 1) Riley Endean, Kamloops 21:25:1
2) Marcus Allen, Kamloops 24:08:1
3) Charlie Bruce, Kamloops 24:39.8
Women’s 5 K: 1) Faryn Brown, Kamloops 22:09:3
2) Chantal Jeffrey, Blind Bay 22:16
3) Robin Strong, Ottawa 22: 24:1
Men’s 10 K 1) Alain Blondeau, Kamloops 39:33.1
2) Bryce Turner, Kamloops 40:39.5
3) David Yakashiro, Abbotsford 45:33.6
Women’s 10 K 1) Yvonne Timewell, Kamloops 43:23:0
2) Rolena DeBruyn, Kamloops 49:14:4
3) Erica Gray, Kamloops, 49:51
The half and full marathons are set for Sunday (July 28) starting and ending at McArthur Island. Both winners of the 2012 event have returned to defend their titles. Ryan Day of Cache Creek captured the men’s title with Katrin James winning the women’s crown. This year’s marathon is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. While the WolfPack cross country team is the main benefactor of this weekend’s races, the Boston Marathon Victim’s relief fund will receive 15 per cent of the proceeds.

Alain Blondeau sticks out tongue while passing Emily Prichard at the finish line (Hugo Yuen photo)

The champions remain so after the second ever running of the Kamloops Marathon.  252 athletes took part in the half and full marathons which were run Sunday (July 28) morning starting and finishing at McArthur Island. 
For the first time, this race acted as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon in addition to raising funds for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack cross –country team.

Ryan Day stands atop of the podium for a second straight year in the men’s marathon flanked by Jamie Dunnett (left) and Sheldon Mancher (Hugo Yuen photo)

Cache Creek’s Ryan Day was the first male across the finish line in the marathon. His time was two hours, 42 minutes 19.9 seconds. He won the inaugural race in 2012.

Day was followed by Victoria’s Jamie Dunnett at two hours, 43 minutes 36.8 seconds.  Sheldon Manchur of Williams Lake was third coming in with a time of two hours, 46 minutes 26.6 seconds. 

Coquitlam’s  Tatsuya Hatachi was fourth in two hours, 47 minutes 50.3 seconds with Merritt’s Hans Aabye winding up fifth with a time of two hours 50 minutes and three seconds.

Jonathan Behnke was the top local male finisher of the marathon (Hugo Yuen photo)

The top local marathoner was Jonathan Behnke who was ninth overall in a time of three hours, seven minutes, 2.5 seconds.

Cailin Jones of Victoria holds the women’s championship trophy flanked by second place finisher Rika Hitachi and Marie Josee Bedard (Hugo Yuen photo)

The defending women’s champion also retained her 2012 crown.  Catrin Jones of Victoria completed the course in two hours, 50 minutes 48.9 seconds. Second place went to Rika Hatachi of Coquitlam (3:09:17.5).

Rika Hatachi of Coquitlam finished second in the women’s marathon (Hugo Yuen photo)

Marie-Josee Bedard of Merritt wound up third. Her time was three hours, 24 minutes and 22 seconds. Coquitlam’s Niki Jacuqes was fourth (3:33:59.8) with Paige Howat of Prince George winding up fifth (3:34:50).

Runner get a big hug from a supporter at the finish line (Hugo Yuen photo)

The top local female marathon racer was Melanie Reed. She was 11 th in four hours, 15 minutes 21.1 seconds.

Luke Harrison of Sun Peaks (center) won the men’s half marathon. with Grant Ewert of Vancouver (left) and Richard Dueck (right) finishing second and third (Hugo Yuen photo)

Luke Harrison of Sun Peaks captured the men’s half marathon. Harrison ran the 21 kilometers in one hour, 26 minutes, 57.1 seconds. The second place finisher was Grant Ewert of Vancouver (1:27.50.4). Richard Dueck of the Okanagan was third at one hour, 30 minutes 45.5 seconds.  Phillip Sigalet of Kamloops was fourth in one hour, 31 minutes, 42.6 seconds.

Tanya Humeniuk won the women’s half marathon. She stands atop of the podium with Tina Louise Harris (left) and Alexi Murray (Hugo Yuen photo)

The women’s half marathon was won by Tanya Humeniuk of Vancouver in one hour, 32 minutes, 31.3 seconds. Secnd place went to  Coquitlam’s Tina-Louise Harris (1:35:31.9).   Alexi Murray of Vancouver was third (1:43:36.5).  Allie MacDaniel of Kamloops finished fourth in a time one one hour, 44 minutes 44.6 seconds.

Yoshikata Naruse of Coquitlam gets help from St. John’s Ambulance person after completing the men’s marathon (Hugo Yuen photo)

Not only did the TRU Cross Country program benefit from the funds raised in this event, but 15 per cent of the total was donated directly to the Boston Marathon Victims Relief Fund.

Kamloops Heat showing off their silver medals at the 2013 PCSL Premier Women’s League playoffs (photo submitted)

The Kamloops Heat left a big impression on the Pacific Coast Soccer League in only their second season in the loop’s Premier women’s division.   The Heat, who are made up mostly of players with the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack  wound up in the PCSL Championship Final.

After winning a wild 7-6 shootout semi final with Victoria on Saturday (July 27), the Heat were beaten 7-2 by the Vancouver Whitecap reserves in the championship final Sunday (July 28) in Coquitlam. 

Former WolfPack assistant coach Kelly Shantz is head coach of the Heat (Andrew Snucins photo)

“We had nothing left in the tank,’ said Heat head coach Kelly Shantz, a former TRU assistant coach. “ After that wild one with Victoria, our heads were in the match today but the bodies couldn’t react.  That is nothing to say Vancouver wasn’t full value for their win. They are a fine club.”

Saturday’s match was the wildest in Shantz’s long career as a player and coach. After a 2-2 regulation tie,An unheard of 8 goals were scored in the 30 minute extra time session including Kamloops getting 2 in the last 3 minutes of Overtime to force the penalty shoot-out. 

Alanna Bekkering at 2011 CCAA Soccer Nationals (Dorothy Harvey photo)

In Sunday’s final,  the Whitecaps scored the opening goal six minutes in. The Heat responded at the nine minute mark when Kelsey Martin (Kamloops, BC) beat two Vancouver defenders and passed the ball to Heather Lloyd (Kamloops, BC) who shuttled the ball to PACWEST MVP Alanna Bekkering (Kamloops, BC) who rifled a shot into the top corner.

Kelsey Martin in action with WolfPack last season (Allan Douglas photo)

The other goal for Kamloops came in the second half with 15 minutes left in the contest when Brianna Powrie (Kamloops, BC), whom Shantz called his most solid player of the entire weekend playoff, also went top shelf.

Brianna Powrie (left) volunteered at Wendys Dreamlift a few years ago with WolfPack players Courtney Dennill and Danya Mitchell

Shantz credited his backline for being strong in the finale despite giving up the seven goals.  “The Whitecaps are a very talented team and the score could have been higher if not for their play.”.

Summing up the season, Shantz stated: “ We lost only four games all season—three to the Whitecaps. I think we proved to the PCSL that we belong in the premier division and deserved a spot in the playoffs.  The girls should hold their heads up high.’

The first ever “All Girl” Power camp highlighted activities in week #4 of the 15 th annnual TRU WolfPack/McDonalds Sports Camps. Instructor Valerie Prociuk taught the students self defence, along with zumba and other activities. Here are some photos from the fourth week. There are still plenty of spots open for the remaining weeks of sports camps: which another Girl Power Camp for girls aged 7-12 during the weke of August 19-23 rd. To register or to get more information, visit www.tru.ca/sportcamp or call (250) 852-7135.

Dodge ball stratagies (photo by Erin Connelly-Reed)

Instructor of the week Sarah Malate and Camper of the week Adam Turner (Erin Connelly Reed photo)

All camps kick ball (photo by Erin Connelly Reed)

For the second year in a row, the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s volleyball team has recruited a player from Manitoba. Head coach Pat Hennelly is pleased to announce that left side Randy Grundmann of Winnipeg has become his third recruit for the 2013-14 Canada West season.

WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly (Allan Douglas photo)

“Randy has a live arm and spikes and serves hard,” says Hennelly about his latest signing. “ It was a priority to find a good, young left side and Randy will be a big part of our future success.”

Randy Grundmann with Team Manitoba last year (Volleyball Manitoba photo)

The 6’4” Grundmann describes himself as an offensive player but recognizes that he needs to work on his defensive game in order to find himself on the court regularly at Thompson Rivers.

Grundman is #9 with Team Manitoba this summer (Volleyball Canada photo)

Grundmann recently competed with Team Manitoba at the National Training Center U-18 championships.  They finished fourth. It was his third year with Manitoba’s provincial select program.

Ryan Hudson (top left) was Grundmann’s coach for two years with Team Manitoba (photo courtesy of Volleyball Manitoba)

He was coached for two seasons with Team Manitoba (2011-12) by former McMaster Marauder Ryan Hudson.  “ Randy was a key contributor to our winning of the silver and bronze medals at the  Western Championships. He is very passionate about the game and takes training very seriously. I found him to be extremely coachable, as he adapted his personal style to the team’s needs. He was well liked by his teammates and possesses a ‘unique’ sense of humor.”

Hudson believes that Grundmann is suited to CIS play. “ He is a great leaper with a heavy arm, and has good lateral mobility for his size. He is a strong blocker and is capable of a fast, backcourt attack. These attributes will allow him to excel in the CIS.  Randy also had success at the club and high school level thus far in his career, and brings the necessary attitude to win at the next level. I have no doubt that he will have a positive impact on Thompson Rivers volleyball for years to come.

Grundmann up with the kill at this summer’s NTCC (photo courtesy of the Grundmann family)

Grundmann graduated from River East Secondary School in Winnipeg this past spring. He played club volleyball for the Winman program for the last few years. They went to the national championships the past two years, winning this season in Edmonton, Alberta.

WolfPack starter Brad Gunter is with the National Junior Men’s team this summer (Andrew Snucins photo)

He is hoping to learn a lot from the WolfPack’s starting left side—Brad Gunter (Courtenay, BC)—who enters his third season in 2013-14 and is currently a member of Canada’s Junior National team. 

“I hope to feed off him and become a better player,” he states modestly.

Grundmann with another kill at hte 2013 NTCC (photo courtesy of the Grundmann family)

Moving to British Columbia is something he always wanted to do. “ I really love Kamloops, British Columbia and Thompson Rivers University,” he said during his recruiting visit.  “ TRU is a team on the rise and has a good coaching staff.”

He plans to take courses with an eye to achieving a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Thompson Rivers.

fellow WolfPack recruit Jordan Foot with his Prince George club team. He too was at the NTCC (photo courtesy of Foot family)

Grundmann joins Jordan Foot (17, 6’6”, left side/middle, D.P Todd Secondary, Prince George, BC) and Tyler Pomietarz (17, 6”4” setter, Kelowna Secondary, Kelowna, BC) as the other committed TRU recruits.  Foot and Pomietarz were members of Team BC at the U-18 National Championships.

Blake Majcher speaking with Man in Motion Rick Hansen last year at a camp put on by TRU

Last season, Hennelly recruited libero Blake Majcher of Brandon, Manitoba to join the ‘Pack. He will enter his second season with TRU in the fall.

The WolfPack kick off their 2013-14 Canada West season Friday, October 25 th in Kelowna, BC against the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat. They return to the Tournament Capital Centre the following night for their home opener. Game time is 7 pm.

Hot off their first season in the Pacific Coast Soccer League’s Premier Men’s division, the Kamloops Heat will be taking to the field this weekend in the 23 rd annual Kamloops Invitational Tournament.

The Heat, who are made up entirely of current and former members of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer program will play two games on Saturday (August 3^rd).

(l-r), Adam Dodgson, Oriol Torres, Kyle Fertile and Nolan Wallace-will all play this weekend for the Heat

They will take on the Northern Gunners (who are essentially the UNBC Timberwolves CIS squad)  in their first match at 9:45 am at McArthur Field #4.  That will be followed by a match at 4:45 pm at Mac Isle field #5 against Norvan.

The Heat’s final round robin game is Sunday (Aug 4^th) at 12:30 pm against the Medicine Hat Rattlers of the Alberta College Athletic Conference.  The Heat are in the men’s competitive division for the tourney.

PCSL All-star Justin Wallace (Allan Douglas photo)

Kamloops will have it’s four PCSL all-stars—Justin Wallace, Adam Dodgson, Kyle Fertile and Oriol Torres in their line up. As well as 2012 PACWEST all-stars Ashley Raynes and Nolan Wallace.

PACWEST Rookie of the Year Nolan Wallace plays for the Heat (Allan Douglas photo)

Also joining the Heat this weekend is TRU WolfPack keeper Travis Froehlich, who led the Penticton Pinnacles to the PCSL Reserve Men’s title last weekend.

Travis Froehlich last season with WolfPack visiting with young players

The KIST tournament wraps up on Monday, August 5 th.

He might have just got off an airplane just hours before, but Scott Reeves was back in his office at the Tournament Capital Centre preparing for the upcoming training camp of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s basketball team.

Reeves has a renewed enthusiasm for his chosen sport after being a part of Canada’s Junior National women’s basketball team the last month.   The Junior National team recently finished seventh at the FIBA U-19 World Championships in Klapeda, Lithuania.   

Scott Reeves with the WolfPack (Andrew Snucins photo)

“It was the best professional development experience I have ever had as a basketball coach,” Reeves said. “ The staff was great to work with, the athletes were top notch players and people and the international game is such a different one than what we are used to in Canada.”

Team Canada at the World Champions (photo courtesy FIBA)

He had the role of video coordinator initially but wound up spending time on the bench after head coach Rich Chambers had to leave the program for personal reasons.  “ I started out doing limited on court development, most of the video, some practice planning, game strategizing and preparation.  After our first series of exhibition games in Spain, I was doing all the video plus I was on the court for every practice and sat on the bench for games.  It became a joint effort involving myself Scott Edwards and Donna Branch.”

Reeves looks on vs Calgary last season (Andrew Snucins photo)

Reeves felt since all three of the assistants are head coaches in their respective programs it was easy to meld into a cohesive unit.  “It was just a matter of getting on the same page with the ultimate goal to give the athletes the best experience possible and giving us the best chance to win a World Championship.”

The WolfPack head coach had been at the training camp of both Canada’s Cadet and Junior women’s programs in 2012 as a professional development opportunity. He was offered a spot on the 2013 Junior women’s squad after attending a camp last Easter. 

Team Canada celebrates victory (photo courtesy of FIBA)

At the World Championships, Team Canada got off to a good start but had some bumps as well. “ There were a number of close games for us,” Reeves said reflecting upon their seventh place finish. “ We had the chance to swing things differently in this tournament but a critical turnover or not being able to get the stop we needed changed that. Every country wants to medal but just because that didn’t happen that doesn’t mean we couldn’t draw positives out of the experience.”

Emma Wolfram with Team Canada (courtesy of FIBA)

Reeves had a Kamloops connection with Team Canada.  South Kamloops grad Emma Wolfram was one of the starters.  They have a long history.  “ It was wonderful to see her lead the team and be such a valuable part of what we were trying to accomplish. She is a wonderful basketball talent and an even better person. Gonzaga is getting a very unique student athlete in Emma Wolfram.”

As far as having two people representing Kamloops on a team like this? “I think it can be summed up by the term hard work. I have found that the harder you work, the more opportunities seem to find you.

Reeves watches WolfPack game with assistant coach Chuck Ferguson

Reeves says the highlight of the entire experience for him was something simple but something most Canadians would cherish. “ Probably standing on the court at the first game of the World Championships and hearing our national anthem. I hear it before every one of our games in the CIS but that one sounded different to me. I was especially proud to be representing our country at that moment.”

Reeves makes his point during a TRU time out (Allan Douglas photo)

Would the WolfPack coach heed the call if Basketball Canada approaches him again in the future? “ It is a very long time to be away so I would have to see the situation and decide but yes, representing your country is a great honor and one I don’t take lightly.’

Until then, Thompson Rivers and the WolfPack are Scott Reeves’ priority.  Their 2013-14 Canada West regular season begins Friday November 1^st at the Tournament Capital Centre when they entertain the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.   Tip off will be 6 pm.

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s soccer team officially begin preparations for defending their two time PACWEST championship title in a couple of weeks, many of the veterans will have a good head start.

No less than 18 of them spent time playing or practicing this summer with the Kamloops Heat of the Pacific Coast Soccer League women’s premier league.   The Heat made it all the way to the Challenge Cup league final in their second year in that division.

Former WolfPack assistant now Heat head coach Kelly Shantz (Kelvin Harrison photo)

Former longtime WolfPack assistant coach Kelly Shantz was the head coach of the Heat and a Director of the Kamloops Heat Club.  He said the experience they shared this spring and summer was one to remember.

“ For the top players, they certainly improved in their quickness of play and focus for 90 minutes, “ Shantz stated. “Every match was a tough, full-length challenge against overall better opposition than in PACWEST  and the college level. The leaders for us were the same ones who are leaders for TRU.”

Marlie Rittinger with the Heat (Kelvin Harrison photo)

He singled out Marlie Rittinger (midfielder, Ashcroft, BC),  Bronwyn Crawford (midfielder, Kamloops, BC),  Alanna Bekkering (midfielder, Kamloops, BC) and Kelsey Martin (forward, Kamloops, BC)  as players who were key.    “Taylor Miller (forward ,Kamloops, BC)  played a lot for us coming off the bench also,” he added.

Alanna Bekkering with the Heat (Kelvin Harrison photo)

“All improved their two way play, which will be huge come the PACWEST season,” Shantz stated. “Marlie , Bronwyn, Alanna and Kelsey’s improvement was aided by the fact they practiced against good players and had tough games every weekend. These ladies, like the rest of the group, really thrive on the challenge and answer the bell.”

Olivia Rasmussen throws ball in with WolfPack at 2012 CCAA Nationals in PEI (Bernard photo)

The Heat program is used by Thompson Rivers to have its local players develop.  Shantz says some players particular took the opportunity to heart.  “Olivia Rasmussen ( defender, Kamloops, BC)  improved a lot. Shay LeBourdais (midfielder, Kamloops, BC)  made the biggest strides though. Shay went from being rusty and unsure of herself to becoming one of my rotating starters at outside back by the end of the year. She had an excellent game in our win over Victoria in the semi-final. The level of play of our entire team was a great deal higher at the end of the season and that is the biggest benefit to the players. Not necessarily the tough games, which are great, but the rigorous practice sessions all year with 20 – 25 very good players in training pushing each other. Jamie Wheeler (keeper, Richmond, BC)  also improved a great deal, this was obvious in her training working with Ben Spendlove and myself.”

Shay LeBourdais (Andrew Snucins photo)

Shantz singled out LeBourdais as being the single most improved player. “ She has largely been away from the game for several years on a rodeo scholarship in the U.S. That can be tough to overcome, but you could see her improving week after week. Her game sense and anticipation is very good.”

WolfPack head coach Tom McManus (Andrew Snucins photo)

Although Shantz and WolfPack head coach Tom McManus didn’t have the chance to speak regularly during the Pacific Coast League regular season, they have shared notes when they did meet. “Tom is very busy with his Kamloops Youth Soccer Association (where he is the head coach) obligations and I think he knows the team is in good hands.”

Kelsey Martin with the Heat (Kelvin Harrison photo)

Shantz believes the environment the WolfPack players have been in the past few months with the Heat will definitely bode well for them as they play their final season in PACWEST before moving to the CIS in 2014. “My background with TRU and UCC is a huge benefit to the ladies. The CCAA season happens very fast in the Fall, just like our PCSL season, so the kids have to know that every week counts. Young players also come up each year, pushing the veterans for playing time and helping both those groups understand their different roles and chemistry benefits PCSL in the Summer and TRU in the Fall. Its irreplaceable for both programs and work very well currently.”

Bronwyn Crawford in a Heat Uniform (Kelvin Harrison photo)

The Heat battled the more experienced squads in the PCSL all season long, finishing fourth going into the playoffs and beating Victoria in a wild semifinal.   Looking back at the campaign, Shantz says the program continues to ascend. “Since I took the team over  three years ago, after the team finished a disappointing seventh in the Under – 21 Reserve division, we have improved each and every year. It is a short time from that seventh place to being in the Premier Division final. I am excited for the club, which has been around for Kamloops soccer players since 1993 to be at this level and competing with the very best. With the support of TRU and our major sponsor BMO Nesbitt Burns, as well as the continued commitment of our board and the players and volunteers, the future is bright for all Kamloops soccer players to have a place to play top notch soccer.  “

A few members of the TRU WolfPack women’s volleyball team took time out from working and training this summer to help with the ‘next generation’ of local volleyball players. Robyn Smith and Morgan Kolasa were involved with mentoring younger players. Smith helped out with the U-15 Girls Regional team and worked with players at the Kamloops Volleyball Association beach program. Kolasa mentored three younger players during her spare time. Both Smith and Kolasa, along with teammate Brianne Rauch were all coaches in the KVA program in 2013.

Robyn Smith watches younger player serve

Morgan Kolasa and one of her proteges–April Read

Robyn Smith survaying action at KVA session at Overlander Park

Morgan Kolasa demonstrates the finer aspects of serving

Robyn shares a laugh with the KVA beach girls

Morgan and April warm up

Robyn discusses proper foot placement

Morgan watches the ball go

Robyn prepares to instruct