Kayla Forsyth is one of five 5th year players with the CIS WolfPack   Its the halfway point of the season for the four Thompson Rivers University WolfPack Canada West teams. For the WolfPack’s five fifth year players, they are looking at the calendar 2011 with an eye to the conclusion of their post secondary athletics career. Kayla Forsyth is the only female fifth year player –and will become only the second WolfPack women’s basketball player to play her entire career at TRU.   She agrees that she has been approaching her last competitive season a little differently.  “ I think that I am leaving more of my game on the court and holding little back,” says the native of Vernon, BC.  “ There is actually a visible end point to my basketball career at TRU. In previous years, you always knew that you had more time left in which to improve and make an impact in the future. But at this point, there is no more time, the time to make an impact is now.” Forsyth has seen increased minutes on the floor in her final year. Greg Stewart (right) with teammate Matt Pierce volunteering at the New Life Mission Greg Stewart (Kamloops, BC) and Connor Agnew (Prince Rupert, BC) are the two fifth year players on the TRU Men’s basketball team.   “It is so weird to think that it’ll be over soon,” Stewart says.  Last season’s Canada West  Defensive Player of the Year has thought a lot about it.  “Connor and I talk about it all the time because we are roommates.  We are always discussing what we can do to make our last games more enjoyable. The best thing we can do is go out swinging. We will try and play our best and get as many wins as we can.” Connor Agnew “I am trying to enjoy as much of it (the day to day life in Canada West) as I can,” Agnew explains. “There is very little opportunity for me to play at this high of level again” Joel Caschetto  (White Rock, BC) is one of two fifth year players with the WolfPack men’s volleyball program.  “I think I realize this is my last shot at making a mark on CIS volleyball,” he states. “ I want to be able to look back and remember having a positive impact on my team and be remembered as a good player and teammate.  I also feel the necessity to take more of a leadership role with our your squad so in that regard, my approach has  changed as well.” Joel Caschetto Serving All four have been trying to soak up as much of the student-athlete experience as they can in their final year.  “ I haven’t been too nostalgic yet,” Caschetto explains.  “ There have been a few moments. Like my last games at UBC in the Lower Mainland where most of my friends and family live. I always like it when they are able to come watch and that was the last time for most of them to see me play.” “I think about it all the time,” Stewart says. “ This is the last time I get to spend this night with this guy or the last time I get to compete against this player. It definitely runs through your mind. “ “I am starting to get a little sentimental,” Forsyth explains.  “ It is hard to believe that in a few short months, my career at TRU will be over and the life of high-level competitive basketball will no longer be a major factor in my life.” As the sands of the hourglass labelled “CIS Career” begin to run out, they admit February will be a month of mixed emotions.  “It’ll be a time where I will have the desire to leave on the court with no regrets,” she says. “ It will hard to close this chapter of my life, but  the support of my family, friends and teammates will help.” “I think February will be fun,” states Agnew.  “ Whether we’ve caught fire and we are in a playoff hunt or just playing basketball. Teams should be wary of us in the second half because we’re still coming to play every game.” The WolfPack basketball teams return to league play January 7 th at home to Winnipeg.  The volleyball teams first see action in 2011 on January 14 th in Brandon.   FOND MEMORIES:  All four players remember their first years and players that influenced them. Says Stewart: “ I remembered the graduating players my first years.  They kept telling me to push it hard because five years is a short time. You eventually have to graduate and get out into the real world.” Agnew:  “I remember being a young guy and having probably the best big in the biz “Brian Smith”. I remember forging a great friendship with him that is still going strong. I try now to create those friendships with other guys on the team right now.” Forsyth: “ There were no fifth year players, as our oldest players were only third years.  Despite this, a few of those girls led our team and were great mentors to the younger players.  I do find that some of the advice they gave me, I have repeated to the younger players this season.” Ryan Talsma All the fifth year players will be honoured before their last home game/match as is tradition. The other fifth year WolfPack player is Ryan Talsma (Orono, ON) of men’s volleyball who joined TRU this year.