The first ever CIS edition of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer team looks like it will be a mix of youth and experience.   The WolfPack have a number of players returning from the club which captured the PACWEST title and the silver medal at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association championships in 2013-14. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] WolfPack head coach John Antulov (Andrew Snucins photo)[/caption] Head coach John Antulov and the WolfPack are pleased to welcome back two veterans. Midfielder Colton Walker (Salmon Arm, BC)  and defender Austin Schneebeli (pronounced sh-nee-b-lee, Sicamous, BC)  are re joining the team effective immediately. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="333"] Colton Walker (Andrew Snucins photo)[/caption] “I’m thrilled to be coming back to TRU,’ said Walker, who took last season off to travel. “ The year away from school and the game helped me refocus. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Walker in action against Kwantlen (Andrew Snucins photo)[/caption] The 5’11” Walker, who initially committed to the WolfPack in August, 2012 is planning to continue his studies in Tourism Management. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="333"] Austin Schneebeli[/caption] “I had such a great experience my first year and I look forward to hopefully having another stellar year,’ adds Schneebeli.  He was forced to sit out the 2013-14 campaign because of an injury.  “ Soccer is the biggest part of my life. Not being able to play at all for the past year was extremely tough. I missed training, I missed being with the lads but most of all I missed playing.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Walker watches as Schneebeli gets knocked over against Douglas College (Robert Clark photo)[/caption] Schneebeli  tore his ACL and meniscus on April 30, 2013 while playing summer soccer for the Penticton Pinnacles of the Pacific Coast Soccer League men’s reserve division.  He underwent surgery under renowned Orthopedic surgeon Doctor Ross Outerbridge.  “ I would like to thank him for all the support and great work he has done for me,” he adds.  Schneebeli will continue studies at Thompson Rivers University in general sciences. Both players come back to the fold with both experience and youth on their side. Both will be in their second year of eligibility. “I think Austin and I can help some of the younger players fit into the program,” Walker states. Both are looking forward to testing their skills against the country’s best soccer players in the Canada West and CIS this year. “ It will be a challenge but I am sure we will adapt and get it going,” Walker says confidently. “I am looking forward to it,” Schneebeli adds. “ I’ve always tried to play at the highest level I could throughout my career. And this is a level I have always wanted to perform at. It should be a great experience and I couldn’t be more excited to be a member of the WolfPack in our first year in CIS.” Schneebeli believes his passion for the game will be his biggest asset this coming season while Walker feels his ability to grind the other team down and his vision on the ball as his strengths. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Antulov looks out on the field (Andrew Snucins photo)[/caption] Antulov is ecstatic to have both back in the fold for 2014-15: “Colton is a solid box to box central midfielder with lots of energy.  His skill, energy and ability to play at this level will be vital. He will be an important part of the program moving forward.  “ [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Walker has his sweater pulled while Oriol Torres comes to help (Andrew Snucins photo)[/caption] “Austin is a solid outside back with good skill and quickness that can jump into the attack and also get back quickly to defend.  His experience playing for us previously will be vital moving forward." [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Walker vs UBCO (Dale Abley photo)[/caption] The coach adds: Both have great attitudes, are very coachable and are good solid players. They will be leaders in our program.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="333"] Scheebeli goes over Douglas College player (Robert Clark photo)[/caption] During the 2012-13 PACWEST season, Scheebeli played in all 14 league and two playoff matches. Walker suited up for 11 regular season and two post season games. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Fellow WolfPack recruit Andrew Kroczynski (photo supplied)[/caption] The two become the second and third recruits signed by Antulov for the coming season. The other is Andrew Kroczynski (18, 5’10” fullback, Regina, SK/Sheldon Williams Secondary). The WolfPack will kick off their first CIS training camp in early August. Their season opener is Friday, September 12 th at Hillside Stadium. It’s a 7 pm kick off against the Trinity Western University Spartans. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Scheebeli with the KYSA U-8 Blue Vipers[/caption] CORNER KICKS: Schneebeli says he has received a lot of help in his rehab process aside from Outerbridge. “ I want to thank Shuswap FC (Salmon Arm Soccer Association) for the support they have given me throughout my rehab process. They allowed me to spend time coaching U-9 to U-18 house and select players. I have coached the last five years, however coaching these past few months has really re-sparked my love of the game.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Scheebeli (right) with Claude and Carly Royer and former teammate Seb Gardner[/caption] And he adds: “I can’t thank my parents and my brother enough for the tireless amount of work they have done on my behalf over the past year. Always doing their best to keep my spirits high and my eyes focused on getting healthy and back to playing soccer.”