Current players and prospects of the TRU WolfPack men’s soccer team are playing as a squad this weekend at the annual Kamloops Invitiational Soccer Tournament. Playing in the Men’s Competitive Division, the squad–known as the Kamloops Heat for this tourney–won their first match.

The Heat got first half goals from Justin Wallace and Oriol Torres in a 2-0 win over UNBC. They have two more round robin games on Saturday and Sunday. There is also a TRU Alumni men’s team and a squad known as the “Heat” who are made up of a number of current and former members of the WolfPack women’s squad in this tournament as well.

The Heat and the Alumni squad are being coached by TRU men’s co head coaches Sean Wallace and John Antulov.

Here are some shots from their first match:

The Kamloops Heat–made up of current players and prospects of the TRU WolfPack Men’s soccer program blew a 2-0 lead in their second match at the 2013 Kamloops Invitiational Soccer Tournament.
The Heat fell 5-2 to NorVan and now have a record of 1 and 1 going into their final round robin game Sunday at 12:30 pm at Mac Isle field 9. Their opponents will be the Medicine Hat Rattlers of the Alberta College Athletic Conference. Here are visuals from Saturday (Aug 3)’s match.

<a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/54238153@N04/9432109687/” title=”Justin Wallace adjusts pads befo

The Kamloops Heat–who are made up entirely of current Thompson Rivers University WolfPack players and prospects finished the round robin portion of the 2013 Kamloops Invitational Soccer Tournament on a positive note. The Heat dumped the Medicine Hat College Rattlers of the Alberta College Athletic Conference 6-0 on Sunday (Aug 4) at Mac Isle #9. The Heat scored four goals in the second half en route to the victory. Here are some photos courtesy of Allen Douglas of the Kamloops This Week:

Jacob Kaay heads corner kick (Allen Douglas photo)

Darren Dinsdale launches ball for goal (Allan Douglas photo)

Jacob Kaay scores (Allen Douglas photo)

Justin Wallace steps around defender (Allan Douglas photo)

Jake Kaay breaks through defenders to score (Allen Douglas photo)

Darren Dinsdale battles for ball (Allen Douglas photo)

Justin Wallace scores on penalty shot (Allan Douglas photo)

Ben Sama makes the save (Allen Douglas photo)

Here are some images from the Kamloops Heat (TRU WolfPack men’s soccer players and prospects) match on Sunday, August 4 th at the Kamloops Invitiational Soccer Tournament against the Medicine Hat College Rattlers of the ACAC. The 6-0 victory put the Heat into the semi finals of the Men’s Competitive Division against the TRU Alumni.

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer team has most of its current players and some of it’s recruits playing in the Kamloops Invitiational Soccer Tournament this holiday long weekend. It was a ‘current and future’ against the ‘past’ semi final on Sunday (Aug 4) at Mac Isle.

The Heat/WolfPack met up with the TRU Alumni.

<a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/54238153@N04/9439715469/” title=”John Antulov coaches the Heat (Aug 4, 2013) by TRU WolfPack, on Flickr”>

The Heat were coached by John Antulov against Sean Wallace and the alumni. The Heat won 3-1 in a shootout. the teams were tied at 1 after regulation time and went right to the shootout. Dion Gouldsborough (Summerland, BC) scored the lone goal for Kamloops in regulation.

Kamloops meets another Pacific Coast Soccer League Premier division team in Monday’s 1 pm Final. It will be Estella de Chile.

Here are more visuals from Sunday afternoon’s semi final.

The TRU WolfPack men’s soccer team put their “Kamloops Heat” squad along with some prospects into the 2013 Kamloops Invitiatational Soccer Tournament this holiday weekend. The “Heat” made it to the championship final where they fell victim to Estrella de Chile of the Pacific Coast Soccer League Premier division. The game was scoreless and needed penalty kicks to decide things. Here are some images.

The Kamloops Heat of the Pacific Coast Soccer League put a team into the Kamloops Invitiational Soccer Tournament this weekend. A majority of the players on the squad were members of the two time defending PACWEST champion TRU WolfPack and some prospects. They were coached by former UCC Sun Demon’s head coach Kevin Fertile. The Heat won the title with a 3-2 win over the North Shore (Vancouver) Girls Soccer Club Renegades to take home $ 1400 in prize money. Here are some pictures of the event.

The TRU WolfPack men’s soccer team and prospects played the August long weekend tournament as the Kamloops Heat. They fell in the men’s competitive division final of the annual Kamloops Invitiational Soccer Tournament on Monday (Aug 5). Known as the Kamloops Heat, they went scoreless through a regulation 90 minutes and 10 minutes of overtime with Estella de Chile of the Pacific Coast Soccer League’s Premier division. The game was decided in a shootout. The WolfPack/Heat lost 3-2 in penalty kicks and came away with $600 second place prize money. Here are shots of the final courtesy of Allan Douglas.

Ashley Raynes looks to defend (Allan Douglas photo)

Dion Gouldsborough and Estella de Chile go for ball in air (Allan Douglas photo)

Travis Froehlich throws the ball out (Allan Douglas photo)

Ashley Raynes (Allan Douglas photo)

Oriol Torres (Allan Douglas photo)

Corey Wallis makes a b-line for the ball (Allan Douglas photo)

Darren Dinsdale goes after the ball (Allan Douglas photo)

Dion Gouldsborough heads the ball (Allan Douglas photo)

Travis Froehlich makes save to keep it a scoreless tie (Allan Douglas photo)

The 2013 Champions of the Kamloops Invitiational Soccer Tournament women’s competitive division were the Kamloops Heat. The Pacific Coast Soccer League club was made up almost entirely of  TRU WolfPack women’s soccer players and recruits. They captured the $1400 first prize money on the August long weekend with a 3-2 win over North Shore (Vancouver) Girls Soccer Club Renegades.  The Heat led 3-1 after the first half. Here are some visuals courtesy of Allan Douglas.

The 2013 Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke, Quebec will be one to remember for a player with the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s volleyball team.

Jesse Bazergui (Andrew Snucins photo)

Jesse Bazergui (outside hitter, White Rock, BC)was a member of Team BC which won the bronze medal Thursday (Aug 8) beating Team Ontario 3-1. The scores were 25-14,25-13,19-25,25-23.
“This whole experience has been a lot of fun from the beginning,’ says the 6’5” Bazergui, who is going into his fourth year of the Arts program at TRU. “ We had full time training in Kelowna before the Games. It was a great experience being with the team for 10 straight days. The opening ceremonies here were incredible and the atmosphere at all the venues are unbelievable.”
Team BC had a solid round robin but wound up losing 3-0 to Alberta in the semi final (27-25,25-23,25-21).

Bazergui with the kill at 2013 Canada Summer Games (Kevin Bogetti Smith photo)

Bazergui believes the experience was good for him development wise. “ I believe my passing and defence have improved. I hope that the extra training will lead to more playing time on the court this year with the WolfPack.

Bazergui was coached at the Canada Summer Games by Trinity Western University Spartan head man Ben Josephson. “ He had a solid tournament and great summer. He improved a lot. I was proud of him.”

Brad Gunter vs Regina (George Wycherley photo)

He was just one of many WolfPack players who have played higher level volleyball this summer. Brad Gunter (Courtenay, BC) is with Canada’s Junior National Team while Philip Ozari (Birkerod, Denmark) is with the Danish Senior men’s team.

WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly (Andrew Snucins photo)

Thompson Rivers head coach Pat Hennelly stated “ It is great for TRU to be represented on Team BC and Jesse getting this valuable experience. It’ll pay off for Jesse and our program. I believe it’s beneficial for any of our players to get experience playing at the best level they can. By representing their province or country, it is something they will always remember and makes us proud that they are affiliated with the WolfPack.”
Bazergui will return to Kamloops and the WolfPack in September.

We are now into week number six of the 15 th annual TRU WolfPack/McDonald’s Sports Camps. Here are some images from last week where events included the basketball development camp round robin (seen above). Along with fishing and ball hockey. The Camper of the Week was Cameron Hanna and the Instructor of the Week was Taylor Shantz. There are still plenty of spaces open for the remaining few weeks of Sports Camps. Next week (Aug 12-16), camps include Junior Wolf Cub Camp for boys and girls aged 4-6, Development Rugby and Baseball, Ball Hockey, Badminton for players aged 12-16 and French Multi Sport.

You can register by visiting www.tru.ca/sportcamp, calling (250) 852-7135, emailing sportcamp@tru.ca or visiting the TRU Gym in person.

With just a few weeks left of summer, aspiring volleyball players are gearing up for the start of their respective high school try outs.    One way to get prepared for those tryouts, along with just having some fun is by attending the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack Performance volleyball camp.

WolfPack head coach Keith Lundgren (Allan Douglas photo)

The camp is being run again this year by WolfPack women’s head coach Keith Lundgren and his players and is being coordinated out of the TRU/McDonald’s Sports Camps.    This camp goes August 26-29 th at Pacific Way Elementary School.

“Anyone who loves the game, looking to improve their skills and have a great time should be signing up for this one,” says Lundgren.  He has broken the camp into three sessions. 

The first session is for players aged 11-13, the second for athletes aged 14 and 15.  The third session is for athletes 16-18 years of age.

Robyn Smith of the WolfPack will be one of the instructors

“We are pretty good at the skill development and teaching,” Lundgren explains.  “ I think the athletes attending the camp will like the fast pace of it. As well, our players will be interacting with the campers on a regular basis. I think that is the best part.”

Lundgren outlines what the players will be doing.  “ The camp will be packed with activity which will be a lot of fun. We will be covering the six skills of the game and talking about how to be successful when executing them.  We will do a lot of ball control and fun games where we implement the skills into these games.”

Lundgren working with setter Katie Woo last season (Allan Douglas photo)

Unlike many other summer activities, the WolfPack Performance Volleyball Camp will keep an instructor/pupil ratio at 1:8.  “ We will put a maximum of 16 athletes on one court,” he says. “ We have found this to be the maximum amount on one court for quality attention and drill involvement. The quality of instruction will be good. The camp is planned by the coaching staff of the WolfPack women’s volleyball program who have backgrounds as players, in education and in sport specific developmental learning.”

Lundgren is hoping campers will learn lots and have fun. “ As a kid, I always attended camps before high school started and for me, it was about getting excited for the upcoming school season. As well, my friend were there too.  It was a way to connect with them after not being together all summer. We will get the campers introduced to performing skills so that when they start their season, they will be sport minded and ready to go into the volleyball season on the best foot possible.”

You can register your child for this camp by logging onto www.tru.ca/sportcamp or calling (250) 852-7135. 

Ages 11-13 are going from 9-noon every day, players 14 and 15 years old are set for 1-4 pm with older players going from 6-9 pm.

Cost is $175 dollars per player.  The camp is run as a fundraiser for the WolfPack women’s volleyball program.

For Pat Hennelly, it’s a dream which has become a reality.  The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s volleyball coach had long thought about hosting an overnight, high performance volleyball camp in Kamloops.  

Along came former CIS and professional head and assistant coach Jesse Knight  and his Abstract Volleyball Company.  The result is what is taking place for the next four days at the Tournament Capital Centre and the TRU residence. It began Thursday night (Aug 8).

Jessie Knight and three of the campers

“It was a vision we both had,” said Knight. “ The athletes are getting more than just the expertise of TRU WolfPack coaches and players, with this camp they are learning from some top female players as well. We want to provide a recreation/high performance volleyball camp that is the best in the province. Athletes can come and sleep over in Kamloops and have a great time as well as improve their skills.”

WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly and captain Colin Carson

“Timing was a big factor in this happening,” says Hennelly . “ I was coming off a month long vacation in Europe and Jesse took the lead in organizing. Everything just came together. It works because he is bringing his expertise on the women’s side of the game.  He was an assistant coach at UBC after I left so we were familiar with one another.  He does a lot of camps in the summer and he was looking for a new venue. We are geographically central in Kamloops so having it here was a perfect fit.  For a bunch of reasons, it worked out. I am more than pleased to partner with Jesse. He is a professional both on and off the court.”

Hennelly says the overnight camp model brings back memories. ““I went to overnight camps in Williams Lake when I was a younger player. You might be the best player in your area, but you come to something like this and compete with other dedicated athletes—it just raises the competition level and intensity.  It’s not the same people you play against at school or with in club.  When you bring that in, and additional coaches-you get better opportunities to experience skill development that you wouldn’t see in your regular summer camp

“What makes this camp unique for Kamloops is the fact Jessie and his team have come here,” the WolfPack coach adds. “  It’s good for me as another coach to see someone else lead so I can focus in on actual coaching.  Having Ali and Claire here—who are national team athletes—gives the 45 or so girls here their own role models.  It is a live reference point for girls to role model.”

Claire Hanna (photo courtesy of Volleyball Canada)

Knight has brought in two of his own coaches—both national team athletes—Ali Sandholm  and Claire Hanna along with him to instruct.  Sandholm is a former University of Calgary Dino who was a member of the national team in 2005, 2006 and 2008 and played professionally last year in Europe.  Hanna is currently a member of the senior national team. She won three national titles while attending UBC and played pro in Belgium.

Ali Sandholm (photo courtesy U of Calgary)

Knight says it is very important for the young girls at this camp to see that they could follow in Ali and Claire’s footsteps. “  It is so important. The message I have relayed to the younger players is that you never know where that next national team or professional player will come from.  I have told them it is ‘who wants it the most, who loves it the most and works the hardest. That is the person who gets to that level.’ I asked the campers why they are here.  They should be asking what they have to do off the court? How do they get noticed?  How does professional volleyball work for a female player.”

The camp included a parent seminar where those questions could be asked.  Not only are their skill sessions (as many as three  two and a half hour sessions) , but also those attending will be swimming and taking part in leadership exercises. 

Knight adds that this camp is a must for young athletes who have a desire to excel in volleyball. “It is important that the kids and their parents get the right information.  There is a very small group of professional coaches in Canada.  It is our goal to provide all athletes—not just those in University and Team Canada-with that information. It is our goal to get them in an environment where they are getting a launch point, get them the right skills and train them so they improve.  Not only that, but they are having fun while playing volleyball.”

WolfPack player Spencer Reed

In the camps inaugural year, 53 boys and girls from Alberta and British Columbia have registered.  “We are happy with that number,” said Knight.  “ We are hoping for this to grow in the future.”

“We would ideally like to have the camp later in the summer,” adds Hennelly. “It depends on the availability of residence and the TCC.”

The ratio of Instructors to athletes this week has been 1:8.

Kamloops isn’t the only venue for the Abstract volleyball camps.  Knight runs similar programs in Terrace, Canmore, Vancouver and Comox. They also offer team oriented camps travelling to schools across Western Canada and provide camps for teams. There are a couple of weekends still available.

The Kamloops camp wraps up Monday (Aug 12) afternoon.

Training camp for the two time defending PACWEST champion Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s soccer team begins Monday (Aug 12).  
Head coach Tom McManus will have a solid crew of returnees and prospects vying for spots on a team which is poised to move to CIS next season.

WolfPack head coach Tom McManus (Andrew Snucins photo)

McManus, a former pro player and member of the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame believes that  even though his squad has won the PACWEST title and finished fourth at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Nationals the past two seasons, there will be no overconfidence among the players.  “ Everyone will have to give it 100 per cent in order to three peat.   Everything that has been done is history and there is nothing you can do about that. You can only worry about the present and future.”

Blair MacKay and Chloe McAuley at the 2012 CCAA Nationals (Bernard photo)

On paper, the WolfPack have lost three players due to athletic graduation—CCAA All-Canadian Blair MacKay (Kamloops, BC) along with the McAuley sisters—Abbey and Chloe (Langley, BC). 

“It will be very tough to replace the quality and leadership that those three players possessed, but we do have some vets who will step up and there are some recruits coming in who will also show leadership.”

Laura Smylie will be co captain this year (Allan Douglas photo)

McManus points to Bronwyn Crawford (Kamloops, BC) and Laura Smylie (150 Mile House, BC), both of whom were PACWEST all-stars in 2012.  Both will be co captains this year.  “ Laura and Bronwyn are natural leaders that always put out their best effort. They are well respected by their teammates. Quality players with great leadership.”

Alanna Bekkering (left), Bronwyn Crawford (center) and Blair MacKay (right) at the 2012 CCAA Soccer Nationals banquet

One player who is expected to dominate is Alanna Bekkering. The fifth year midfielder from Kamloops, BC is the two time PACWEST Playoff MVP and was the league MVP along with a CCAA All-Canadian in 2012.  “ Alanna is ready this year and wants to finish her University career on a high. She will be a leader out there,” McManus states.

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

Training camp begins Monday afternoon (Aug 12) with fitness testing at Hillside Stadium.  The coach believes there will be battles at all positions. “ We have at least three keepers coming in and they have all been working hard this summer. Defensively, we have some top quality veterans but also have some excellent recruits coming into camp. Midfield will once again feature players like Bronwyn, Alanna, Laura Stacer (2^nd year, Salmon Arm, BC), Marlie Rittinger (2^nd year, Ashcroft, BC) and Kelsey Martin (2^nd year, Kamloops, BC)  to name a few.  Strikers will once again be strong but we have lost Taylor Miller (Kamloops, BC). She is taking the year off from school and will be missed. As you can see, training camp will be interesting.”

Taylor Miller at the 2011 CCAA Soccer Nationals in Quebec vs FX Garneau (Dorothee Harvey photo)

The WolfPack have two exhibition matches and they will both be played at home.  They entertain the CIS University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves at Hillside Stadium on August 31^st and September 1^st.

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack in partnership with the TRU Alumni office is “Celebrating Excellence” by hosting an alumni event for the school’s soccer program.

Former players of the Cariboo College Chiefs and Gold Rush, University College of the Cariboo Sun Demons and the TRU WolfPack are being invited to attend the WolfPack’s 2013 PACWEST season opener on Saturday, September 7 th during the men’s and women’s games.

1985-86 Cariboo College Chiefs

The event is being billed as a “UCC/TRU Alumni and Friends Reunion-Celebrating Excellence.” 

A special VIP section will be set aside at Hillside Stadium for alumni, family and friends. There will also be a BBQ, award presentations and activities for the children of alumni.

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

WolfPack men’s co-head coach Sean Wallace is an alumna himself.  He played at Cariboo College and UCC from 1982-84 before making the move to coach in various capacities beginning in 1985-86.  

“This is a great way to honor our past players and at the same time show our current roster what a rich tradition we have,” he says. “We have been holding informal alumni events during the August long weekend tournament, but this makes it more official.”

CCAA Soccer National Champion UCC Sun Demons (1998-99) (photo courtesy of TRU WolfPack Archives)

Between matches the 1998 and 1999 CCAA National Championship men’s and women’s teams will be recognized. Wallace says he remembers the men’s team fondly. “We actually hosted Nationals that year.  We failed to make playoffs but got the host berth and played well to win the championships.”

1999-2000 CCAA Champion UCC Sun Demons (photo courtesy of TRU WolfPack Archives)

TRU women’s head coach Tom McManus is also embracing the concept.  “It’s very important to pay homage to our alumni.  They set the standards for us to push for. They have set the bar very high and we want to achieve and maintain what they did.”

WolfPack head coach Tom McManus (Andrew Snucins photo)

Both coaches are hoping that the stands at Hillside will be packed for the season opener against Capilano University Blues. The matches mark the start of the final season for Thompson Rivers in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association. They will move to the Canada West and CIS play in 2014.  The women’s match will start at 1 pm with the men’s match set for 3:15 pm.

1980-81 Cariboo College Gold Rush soccer

Alumni packages are $5.00.  They are available by contacting Kelley O’Grady at TRU Alumni.  Her phone number is (778)471-8274 or emailing kogrady@tru.ca.

Six weeks are now in the books for the 15 th annual TRU WolfPack/McDonald’s summer sports camps. Here are some pictures from last week which included basketball. The camper of the week was Brock Heshka with the instructor of the Week being Cassie Grant.

It is not too late to sign your child up for Sport Camp. Coming up the week of AUgust 19-23, there is the Girls Power camp form girls aged 7-12, Developmental soccer, Junior Wolf Cub camp and Grass Volleyball. Register by calling (250) 852-7135, logging onto www.tru.ca/sportcamp or emailing sportcamp@tru.ca. You can also visit the TRU Gym to sign your child up

Head Coach Tom McManus survayed the action at Hillside Stadium on Monday night (July 12). The two time defending PACWEST Champion TRU WolfPack women’s soccer team had their first intra squad match. 36 hopefuls are vying for spots on the ‘Pack’s 25 person roster. Here are some pictures from that match.

Posted with Permission of the Kamloops Daily News

By MARK HUNTER
Daily News Sports Reporter

WolfPack head coach Tom McManus

Tom McManus, head coach of the TRU WolfPack women’s soccer team, loves competition.

He certainly is getting it this week, with the WolfPack starting training camp at Hillside Stadium.

TRU, the two-time defending Pacific Western Athletic Association champion, hit the pitch for fitness testing Monday morning, before a scrimmage last night. The team will be on the field for all but three days until the end of the month, before exhibition matches with the visiting UNBC Timberwolves on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.

McManus loves to put his players through the paces in camp, making sure they are in the best possible shape when the season kicks off. And he always brings in a lot of bodies – in this case, there are 36 women competing for 25 roster spots. Only 18 players can dress for each league game.

“It’s an open competition and I re-emphasized that with all the veterans,” McManus said. “I said, ‘Every position is open, so look beside you and look behind you – they want your job.’ ”
TRU is scheduled to open its last season in this league on Sept. 7, when the Capilano Blues visit Hillside Stadium. The WolfPack has declared that it will move into the CIS, Canada’s top university league, in 2014.

While that has McManus excited about the team’s future, it didn’t change his approach during the offseason. He loaded up on the best players he could recruit, some of them right out of the Kamloops Youth Soccer Association.

“I have five (KYSA recruits) this year, and five last year,” said McManus, who is coming to the end of a seven-year stretch as the KYSA’s technical director. “I’m looking at them, and I’m looking at the ones I know can do it, because I’ve worked with them for the last number of years.”

Shalayna Isakson

One of the local recruits is Shalayna Isakson, whose arrival has created a little more competition among the goalkeepers.

Emily Edmundson at 2012 CCAA Soccer Nationals (Bernard photo)

Starter Emily Edmundson and backup Jamie Wheeler are back from 2012, so Isakson, a Sa-Hali grad, has created a bit of a fight. McManus said he might keep all three ‘keepers, depending on how they perform at camp.
“They’ve all come in, ready to play,” McManus continued. “I told them, ‘you’re all battling for No. 1.’ ”

Edmundson, the backbone behind the last two provincial championships, isn’t guaranteed anything.
“You always feel the competition; your spot is always on the line,” said Edmundson, a Valleyview grad who is nursing an ankle injury. “At the same time, you come out, work hard and that hard work will pay off.”

There are battles all over, but the WolfPack has returned most of its core from last season.

Abbey McAuley (left) and Blair MacKay (right) lead team in their CIBC Run for the Cure shirts

Blair MacKay, an All-Canadian, graduated, as did twin sisters Abbey and Chloe McAuley. Taylor Miller decided to step away for a year, but the WolfPack still has plenty of depth.
Alanna Bekkering, the league MVP in 2012, is back at midfield.

Chloe McAuley speaks in huddle at 2012 CCAA Soccer Nationals (Bernard photo)

“We’ll see what style we play,” McManus said. “I haven’t decided yet. I have styles in my mind . . . we’ve got to go out and play to see what we’ll do. Whether I go 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, I’ll wait and see what will suit everyone.”

Alanna Bekkering (left)and Blair MacKay (right) were CCAA All-Canadians in 2012

The WolfPack announced Monday that it is partnering with the TRU Alumni office to play host to an alumni event for the WolfPack soccer program.

All former TRU soccer players – including those who played for the Cariboo College Chiefs and Gold Rush, the University College of the Cariboo Sun Demons and the WolfPack – are invited to attend the WolfPack’s home-opener set on Sept. 7. The WolfPack women will take on the Blues at 1 p.m., with the men to follow at 3 p.m.

CCAA National Champion UCC Men’s Soccer (photo from TRU WolfPack archives)

The event is called “UCC/TRU Alumni and Friends Reunion – Celebrating Excellence,” and a special VIP section will be set up for alumni, family and friends. There will be a barbecue, award presentations and activities for children of alumni.

1999-2000 University College of the Cariboo Women’s Soccer Team-CCAA Champs (photo courtesy of TRU WolfPack Archives)

Between the matches, the 1998 and 1999 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association national championship men’s and women’s teams will be recognized. The Sun Demons men’s team won in 1998, before the women’s team won the title in 1999.

Read the Kamloops Daily News online at www.KamloopsDailyNews.ca

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack will begin the 2013-14 BC Intercollegiate Hockey League season on the road.  The BCIHL has released it’s 24 game schedule with the WolfPack opending up on Vancouver Island against the U Vic Vikes.

Tyler Jackson last year against UVIC (Allan Douglas photo)

The ‘Pack will play the Vikes in back to back games at the Ian Stewart Complext on Friday September 27 th and Saturday September 28 th.

Anthony Delong (Andrew Snucins photo)

Thompson Rivers will then return home for their first game of the season at Memorial arena on Friday October 4 th.  The opponents that night will be the Trinity Western Spartans.  Puck drop will be at 8:30 pm.

Ben Bula (Andrew Snucins photo)

The longest homestand for the WolfPack will be four games. It happens twice: between October 25 th and November 9 th in the Fall semester.  They also have a homestand January 17, 2014 to January 25 th—consisting of four games.

Travis Herlein (Allan Douglas photo)

The defending BCIHL champion Selkirk College Steelers make their first appearance in Kamloops on Friday October 25 th.

Duncan Schulz (Andrew Snucins photo)

The ‘Pack will have three exhibition games—all on the road. They play the Spartans of Trinity Western at the Langley Events Centre on September 14 th before going to Calgary, Alberta to play in the annual S.A.I.T Tournament.  Their opponents will be two Alberta College Athletic  Conference teams—the Red Deer College Kings and the host SAIT Trojans.

Game action against Eastern Washington (Allan Douglas photo)

Thompson Rivers begins their training camp in early September and will have their annual Orange/White intra squad title on Friday September 7 th at Memorial Arena. Game time is 8 pm.

During the regular season, home games for the ‘Pack will be at 8:30 pm with Saturday games starting at 8 pm.

WolfPack head coach Don Schulz (Andrew Snucins photo)

Don Schulz is back as head coach of Thompson Rivers for a third straight season.  Chris Hans returns as general manager.

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer team will have some familiar faces in the lineup when they open their 2013 PACWEST season on September 7 th.  As the WolfPack open up their training camp tomorrow (Friday) at Hillside Stadium, the team is welcoming back two top players.

Justin Wallace with WolfPack in 2010 (Andrew Snucins photo)

Justin Wallace (3^rd year, midfield, Kamloops, BC) is returning to the squad after spending the last two seasons with Simon Fraser Clan. He was named the NCAA Division II conference ‘newcomer’ of the year in 2011 and he helped the Clan to the NCAA Division II Final tournament last season.    He is joined by Braeden Burrows (4^th year, Kamloops, BC), a PACWEST all-star in 2011.   Burrows missed the entire 2012 campaign with an injury.

Braeden Burrows (Kevin Lindsay photo)

The two will only add to a team which lost only one player to graduation and have three others not returning.

WolfPack co head coach Sean Wallace (Andrew Snucins photo)

“We have every reason to be optimistic but then again at this time year we should be,” said WolfPack co head coach Sean Wallace.  “ It will be great to get the guys back together on Friday. We begin with fitness tests. Players moan about it but it gives us some good guidelines where the players are at.”

Wallace is excited to have both Wallace—his oldest son and the BCCAA Rookie of the year in 2010—and Burrows back in the fold for the team’s final season in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association.

Sean Wallace walks with Stuart Wood students last year at their Terry Fox Run at Riverside Park

“We hope to benefit from Justin’s two years in the SFU program,” Coach Wallace said. “ It would have been quite an accomplishment for him to play four years of NCAA  soccer, but he is back, I support his decision to return home and I know he will lead us this year and be a cornerstone when we enter CIS next season.  From a parent’s point of view, I am happy to have him home.”

Coach Wallace speaks with son Justin Wallace this year with Kamloops Heat

Says the younger Wallace: “The chance to play for my dad and alongside my brother is an opportunity at this level is something unique. I felt when we lost in the BCCAA Semi Finals my first year with TRU that there was some unfinished business. I think with the calbire of the players we have on this team, we could go all the way to Nationals.”

Braeden Burrows defends vs VIU (Brent Dunlop photo)

When it comes to Burrows returning, coach Wallace continued: “ I think the world of Braeden. He competes at any position I have played him at over the last four years. He is one of those player who makes our team better the minute he steps on the field.  He’ll make our middle even more tough.”

JustiN Wallace preparing to pass ball to Braeden Burrows (Andrew Snucins photo)

Burrows and Wallace were just two members of the WolfPack who played in the Pacific Coast Soccer League’s Men’s Premier division this summer with the Kamloops Heat. They finished in fourth place, just missing the post season.  Wallace and WolfPack co-head coach John Antulov led that program.  “ It was very encouraging that the core of our players played very well at this high level,” Antulov states. “Hopefully it will translate into results in the PACWEST.  It’s great that they (the players) became more familiar with each other. That familiarity helps the bonding process.”

Braeden Burrows in action this year with the Kamloops Heat (Allan Douglas photo)

“I wished we would have had more of our players out at Heat practices,” Wallace adds “ We had about 10-12.  IF we had had all 20 of them out on a regular basis, it would help in speeding up the development of our systems. But we are happy the guys committed to the Heat this summer.”

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

Two players who had solid seasons with the Heat and could be counted on more heavily with the WolfPack are Kyle Fertile (4^th year, Kamloops, BC) and Dion Gouldsborough (2^nd year, Summerland, BC).

Kyle Fertile goes up for a header last year vs UBCO (Robert Clark photo)

“I told Kyle that if he plays to his potential that he will be very good,” states Wallace.  “ He helps the guys around him.  Dion is a young player and I think working with Justin this year will help him.  If he arrives in shape and works hard, he will utilize his potential. I’m hoping he doesn’t fall victim to a sophomore jinx.”

Dion Gouldsborough heads the ball with the Heat at this years KIST Tournament (Allan Douglas photo)

Another player TRU will rely upon will be third year keeper Travis Froehlich (Revelstoke, BC).  Froehlich, a graduate of Salmon Arm Secondary, played this summer in Penticton and led the Pinnacles to the PCSL U-21 crown.

Travis Froehlich in this year’s KIST tournament (Allan Douglas photo)

“He will be a key component to our group as he is in a position of importance,” Antulov explains. “ As a coaching staff, we hope he continues to improve and mature and that will help.”

Travis Froehlich gobbles up the ball with the WolfPack (Robert Clark photo)

“We will rely on him a great day,” Wallace adds. “ It was great he has championship experience and that will help as we will hope to win the PACWEST title. He is coming into his own as a keeper and another year of him working with Alan Connor (WolfPack keeper coach) will make him even better.”

Jake Kaay is back and hoping for strong year with TRU (George Wycherley photo)

The WolfPack will follow up fitness tests on Friday with skill work and small sided games on Saturday (Aug 17) and intra-squad matches on Sunday (Aug 18).  They will also have an exhibition match Saturday afternoon at 3:30 pm at Exhibition Park against the CIS University of Fraser Valley Cascades.  It will be free of charge.

CORNER KICKS:  Sean Wallace on coaching his two oldest sons—Justin and PACWEST Rookie of the Year Nolan (defender) at the collegiate level. “ It is going to be great.  Both boys have matured and I think they will be able to separate the fact that on the field I am their coach, not their father.”

Nolan Wallace in air with the Heat this season (Allan Douglas photo)

There is one more soccer playing Wallace boy: Keenan is playing U17-U-18 Rep in 2013-14, where Sean will coach.  “Unless Justin takes a year off or somehow Keenan graduates early, there will be no chance all three of the boys will play on the WolfPack at the same time,’ Sean laughs.

Justin Wallace gets his body in front of Quest defender (Andrew Snucins photo)

Justin Wallace on being a part of TRU’s first CIS team in 2014:  “ I have been around this program almost from the time I could walk.  We were supposed to go to this level a few years ago. I can’t wait to be a part of the first team. I know that we will show UBC , UVIC and Trinity Western that  Interior teams can compete with them.”

Austin Schneebli (right) with relatives of the late Errol Wild and teammate Seb Gardner (left) last year (Andrew Snucins photo)

One player who was expected to contribute this season was Austin Schneebli of Salmon Arm, BC.  However, he tore his ACL and will miss this year. That means he will have four years of eligibility left.

The WolfPack open their 2013 PACWEST regular season at home on Saturday September 7 th at Hillside Stadium. They play the Capilano University Blues. Kick off is 3:15 pm. That is alumni day.