The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack like to pride themselves on trying to keep the best local athletes at home.   The WolfPack men’s basketball program made another step in that direction with the announcement that Evan Helgason of Kamloops, BC (NorKam Secondary) has agreed to join the CIS program for the fall of 2015. The 6’4” Helgason graduated from Norkam in June 2014. He spent the last few months attending the Elev8 Sports Institute (a prep school) in Delray Beach, Florida. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640"] WolfPack recruit Evan Helgason[/caption] “Scott Clark has done a great job of developing a solid program,’ said Helgason, who had worked out with the WolfPack the last few years during the summer. “ They had a great season and have some talented players. It is a privilege to be playing for my home town team while I start university.” Helgason will take some general courses at TRU.  He was also looking at Seton Hall and University of Tampa (both NCAA Div II schools) before deciding to stay in Kamloops. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640"] WolfPack head coach Scott Clark (Al Kawashima photo)[/caption] “We recruited him a bit out of high school,” says Clark. “He wanted to explore some other options.  We stayed in touch and at the end of his season we offered him a scholarship.” Helgason has been playing basketball since elementary school but started to become more serious about the sport in grade nine.  “I take pride in guarding and playing positions one through four. I feel some of my strengths are that I can shoot the ball and bring a high level of athleticism to the game.   I feel I play a pretty dynamic game.” He says going to Elev8 Sports Institute was a great experience. “I think I have matured not only as a player but as a person as I lived away from home for the first time. I am really excited to come here and compete at the university level.” “The learning curve for him will be to learn our system and apply those individual skills with in it,’ Clark states. “ It is always a big thing for first year guys.  I think that some guys curve is steeper than others. It is our job to teach him.  The good thing is Evan will be here during the summer time. He can get a feel for us as players and a team and how we teach the game of basketball.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640"] Brett Rouault (far left) and Brett Parker (blue shirt) along with volleyball fifth year's Stu Richey and Matt Krueger (Andrew Snucins photo)[/caption] Helgason believes that he is joining the WolfPack at a good time since two of the teams graduating fifth year players (Brett Rouault and Brett Parker) were guards.  “I feel that it is a great time to come here as the program is at a high spot right now. I want to come in and contribute wherever I can and help the team be successful.” He is looking forward to becoming a part of the TRU program’s community programs—something he took advantage of as a youngster growing up.  “I saw the guys out coaching regional basketball and doing clinics when I was young. I look forward to coming full circle doing volunteer work. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="427"] Joe Davis battles Gonzaga (Mike Wootton photo)[/caption] Helgason played basketball while in high school with and against current WolfPack forward Joe Davis. “We have been wanting to play together for some time now,” says Davis. “It’s great to be getting another Kamloops guy.” “I am really excited about playing with Joe again,” Helgason states. “He was one of my best friends through high school and he is a great basketball player.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="427"] Josh Wolfram in this year's Canada West quarterfinals vs Saskatchewan (Josh Schaefer/Huskies Athletics photo)[/caption] Davis is a Westsyde grad, Helgason is from Norkam and along with Josh Wolfram (South Kamloops Secondary): they form the trio of locally produced basketball products.  “This is great to see,” Helgason says. “It is great all three schools are represented.  I hope we represent them and ourselves well.” “I think one of the things you hope to do is keep the better local players here,” Clark explains. “That is one of the institution’s mandates whether it be in athletics or academics.  From that perspective we are happy to be able to do that. One of the things that got us in trouble in the past as far as a basketball program is concerned was allowing the top local players to slip away. It is nice to know that that we are seen as a viable option and kids are eager to play for TRU.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640"] WolfPack assistant coach Paul Patterson[/caption] DOUBLE DRIBBLES:   Helgason  and Davis played together with the U-14 Okanagan regional team in 2009. Their coach was current WolfPack assistant Paul Patterson.  “It was the first time I had seen Evan play,” he says.” Immediately it was evident how athletic, passionate and hardworking he is.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640"] Fellow WolfPack recruit Jeff Tubbs (photo contributed)[/caption] The other player Clark has recruited for the WolfPack thus far is Jeff Tubbs (17, 6’2”, guard, West Kelowna, BC/Mount Boucherie Secondary-Team BC). Hegalson’s father Dave is a former Junior Hockey player who played in Manitoba and is a realtor for Remax in Kamloops.