HOCKEY BY:WolfPack Communications Specialist, Karlene Skretting   The numbers just weren’t working for Thompson Rivers University. The WolfPack got off less shots, had a smaller bench to draw from and spent more time in the penalty box. TRU closed off the 2012-13 regular season with a 6-4 loss to SFU in Burnaby Saturday night. The ‘Pack started the game three men down due to lower body injuries. Duncan Schulz, Ben Bula and Kevin Lourens all sat out. By the end of the game TRU was down to nine forwards and 4 defensemen. “Not to use depleted numbers as an excuse, but it doesn’t help when you are up against a full bench,” said WolfPack head coach Don Schulz. Anthony Delong and Jordan Urban each scored a goal for the WolfPack. Alessio Tomassetti added a pair off his own to bring the scoreboard total to four after 60-minutes. TRU got off to a bit off a slow start. SFU had the lead the whole game. The ‘Pack were unable to score in the first and the period ended 2-0. Tomassetti was the first person to put the puck pass SFU net minder Evan Kuryio. Delong also got a goal for the WolfPack ending the second 4-2. The third period saw two more goals from TRU, one from Urban and another from Tomassetti. Josh MacDonald was instrumental in setting up plays, said Schulz. He had two assists and was the second star of the game. Adrien Hervillard, the rookie goalie from Sainte-Maur France, got the start. “He worked hard in practice and earned it,” said Schulz. “Adrien played well, but it was only his second start of the season.” SFU outshot TRU 41-36. The officiating was consistent and fair throughout the 60-minutes. Both teams maintained a consistent momentum and played hard, noted Schulz. The WolfPack took three penalties, during one of which SFU’s Joey Pavone was able to capitalize and score a shorthanded goal to open up the second period scoring. “We just need to regroup, get healthy and strengthen our numbers. If we are able to bring the same intensity that we did for our January streak we will be contenders in the playoffs,” said Schulz.  TRU is scheduled to play SFU to open the BCIHL playoffs. Games one is to take place on Friday, March 8 in Burnaby. Game two will bring the ‘Pack back to Kamloops and Memorial Arena on Saturday, March 9 for an 8pm faceoff. Game three will return to the Lower Mainland Sunday, March 10 if the teams split Friday and Saturday. BASEBALL The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack baseball team had another split as they took on the Big Bend Community College Vikings in exhibition action Sunday (Mar 3).   The WolfPack  won the first game 17-5 before falling 5-0 to the Vikings in the night cap. The teams split their four game weekend series and the WolfPack’s record in the spring preseason is now 7 and 5. In the first game, Thompson Rivers sent 11 men to the plate in a nine run, eight hit third inning.  Brendan Reid (infielder, Calgary, AB) had two hits and two runs scored in that inning. He wound up going two for three with a stolen base and an RBI. TRU was led by Luc Simpson (outfielder, Aldergrove, BC) who was three for four with a pair of doubles and two runs batted in.  Kyle Sandulescu (2^nd base, Victoria, BC) was two for five with a double and a run batted in. The WolfPack had 22 hits in the contest in which Jake Hein (LHP, Vancouver, BC) went five innings giving up three runs, walking three and striking out six  in getting the victory. In the second game, Big Bend scored one run in the fourth, two in the sixth and two more in the seventh inning.  Mike Riddle (LHP, Surrey, BC) was the losing pitcher.  He went five innings giving up three hits, one run, walking three and striking out three. Reid was the top batsman going two for three. The WolfPack are back on the road for a game Wednesday (Mar 6)at UBC against the Thunderbirds.  Thompson Rivers doesn’t play at home until March 27 th when they entertain the Okanagan College Coyotes. 6 pm at Norbrock Stadium.   WOMEN’S BASKETBALL The most successful of the CIS teams at Thompson Rivers University in 2012-13 was the women’s basketball team.  The WolfPack were mentioned twice in the CIS top 10 rankings for the first time in their history this year.  As well, they record their most victories since entering Canada West when they finished 15-7.   Their season came to a close when they were eliminated in two straight games in the Canada West quarterfinals by the #5 team in the CIS: the University of Calgary Dinos. “Although it wasn’t how we wanted to end the season, we had a very successful year,” said WolfPack head coach Scott Reeves. “ We are now recognized as a program. We were competitive every night and gave ourselves a chance to win each time out. Student athletes from throughout Canada are now inquiring about our university and the women’s basketball program.” Two of the highlights as a team were overtime victories over the University of Alberta and the University of the Fraser Valley. The victory over the Pandas was the first time that any squad from Thompson Rivers in any sport has beaten a team from the University of Alberta in league or playoff play. Another positive was the WolfPack’s home record where they won 9 of 11 starts. On the road, they were above .500 finishing at 6 and 5. Although he preaches team,  Reeves had two or three players who appeared constantly among the Canada West in individual stats. Diane Schuetze (5^th year, post, Vernon, BC) had an all-star caliber season.  At times, she led the Canada West in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots.   Schuetze led the WolfPack in scoring ten times this season and in rebounding 16 times. She averaged 17.9 points per game and 11.3 rebounds per game.  Reeves admits she is a big loss as they move forward. “You can’t replace a Diane Schuetze with one person.  She is a solid fifth year player and experience like that doesn’t come along every day.  I think Becky (Rebeca Fernandez, first year, post, Vancouver, BC) and Kass (Colonna, Invermere, BC-who red shirted after playing a year at the University of Lethbridge)will do a fine job of recreating Diane’s impact on the game.” Jen Ju (5^th year, guard, Vancouver, BC) was among the top scorers and three point field goal artists in the Canada West.  She led the team in scoring seven times averaging 16.5 points per game.   Tracy Kocs (5^th year, forward, Coquitlam, BC) was the team’s top rebounder five times averaging 7.4 per game and 9.5 points. As Reeves took to replace them: “ Our young kids are improving each day and and they will step in and do the best they can. We don’t graduate anyone next season so we have two years to make another run.” Two starters—Jorri Duxbury (3^rd year, guard, Salmon Arm, BC) and Taiysa Worsfold (2^nd year, forward, Kamloops, BC) return next year and will be looked upon to be leaders.  “ Every team relies on their veterans for leadership and this team will be no different, “ the coach says. Duxbury was among the league leaders in assists and steals. She had a team high 130 assists and 64 steals while averaging 5.3 rebounds a game.    Worsfold averaged 10.7 points per game and averaged 4.9 rebounds. Looking towards 2013-14, The WolfPack would love to get tougher and find someone who could fill the role of a scoring forward.  As for moving to the next level?  Reeves states: “ Host a playoff series,  win a playoff game and win a series and we need to be more committed to our off season training along with improving our skill set.” And as he closes the book on this season, Reeves looks at what he will personally remember about this year by saying: “ Probably the impact and respect from the group for the seniors. It was truly a terrific experience and the seniors helped make that possible.” Diane Schuetze (WBB) For the second time in her career, Diane Schuetze has been named to the Canada West women’s basketball all-star team. Schuetze, a fifth year post from Vernon, BC was named to the Canada West first all-star team for 2012-13 today (Feb 27). She finished her final Canada West regular season as the top rebounder in the league (11.3 per game), top defensive rebounder (7.5 per game), second in offensive rebounds (3.7 per game), third in overall points (17.8 points per game), third in blocked  shots (1.5 per game) and sixth in field goal percentage (.532). Coach Scott Reeves says: “Diane has had an extremely good career in the CIS. She helped move TRU to a place where we are competitive with every team we play. We also helped Diane achieve the basketball development and training she needed in order for her to become an All Star. We are very proud of Diane and I know she is grateful for what we have done for her.”     WOMEN’S SOCCER Like father, like daughter.   Tim Hutton is arguably the best player ever to play soccer at Cariboo College/University College of the Cariboo/Thompson Rivers University.   Hutton was a key component of the men’s program in the  mid 1980’s. Now, his daughter Jodi is joining his alma mater.   The two time defending PACWEST champion WolfPack and head coach Tom McManus are pleased to announce that Jodi Hutton has agreed to join the program effective August 2013.  She becomes the third graduating high school player to commit to Thompson Rivers. “ I am really excited,” Hutton, who plans to eventually move into the Bachelor of Education program at TRU states. “ It is something I have wanted to do. Play university soccer in my home town. I will try my best and show up at training camp aiming to prove I belong.” Hutton, who graduates from St. Ann’s Academy this spring, is a defender by trade.  “ I have played sweeper for most of my REP soccer career.  But I will play anywhere. I believe my strengths are reading the play and distributing the ball.” She has been coached in the past by TRU alum  Dave Martin  (2002-05) and his wife Kim Hogg (2004-07). “Jodi has been leaned on heavily over her years at the rep level due to her pace and skill,” says Martin, who coached her in 2012 as a U-17 player with the U-18 Kamloops Youth Soccer Association  Rep team. “ Jodi was part of our solid backline. Last season, as a player joining a group of older ones that were very competitive and focused, she was able to adapt and take it in stride. Her good nature and positive attitude both in training and in games allowed her to gain the confidence of her teammates quickly. In that situation, she was able to step in as a starter and be a solid presence on the backline.” “I was first introduced to Jodi’s team when she was 15 and it didn’t take long for me to recognize her abilities,” says Hogg, who coached her for three years. “ She was a pleasure to coach.  Jodi has always been one of the elite players on her Rep team. But the best part about coaching her was her willingness to take feedback and knowledge and being able to apply it to her situation. She is very coachable and is always willing to learn and improve her soccer skills. “ Hutton is looking forward to being reunited with minor soccer teammates and current WolfPack players  Courtney Daly, Kindra Maricle, Madison Ellis, Kelsey Martin and Olivia Rasmussen.  “ I got to watch them last year and hoped I could join them again someday. Now I can.” “It’s going to be a faster and quicker game so I will have to work on that,” Hutton states about the caliber of play in the PACWEST. Says coach McManus. “ I have known Jodi since I arrive in Kamloops. She was in the first group that I coached at U-11 development. She was a leader then and is now.  She has always been a very strong central defender.  She is an all-around player. I loved the way she’s progressed over the past few years leading her KYSA rep teams.  I am looking forward to seeing her at training camp and is another example of the quality players we have here in Kamloops.” Both her former coaches believe she is a natural to move to the collegiate level.  “ Jodi has a good skill set and all the tools to be a good fit for the program,” Martin explains. “As a younger player on the team last year, Jodi took the guidance of the older, more experienced girls and adapted this to her game play. I believe Jodi will look for this guidance again from her experienced peers and be able to adjust to her surroundings.” Hogg states: “She understands the game as a defender very well.  Her timing on tackling and when to play the ball is always correct and she has the ability to move the ball out of dangerous situations and transition into the attack. She is a finesse player whose positive attitude and sportsmanship has had a very great influence on the rest of her team. Although she comes across as a quiet player, she isn’t shy to demand the ball when she wants it and will go to any length to help her team win.” Hutton was looking at attending UBC but is glad to start and hopefully finish her university career at home. “ I initially wanted to play a couple of years here but I hope that I can stay at TRU as we enter CIS play in 2014”.   THROW INS: Hutton says her father has been a big influence on her: “ Absolutely,” she says. “ Watching him play as a kid got me into playing soccer and my love of the game is because of him.  To play here like he did is a really cool thing.” The WolfPack women’s soccer program is involved in a number of community activities, it is something she is looking forward to being a part of . “ I think it is a huge thing because as an athlete, you have to consider yourself a role model.  To do what you can in your community is definitely a big thing.  I look forward to helping out.” She has aspirations of becoming an elementary school teacher. Thompson Rivers already has Megan Baird (17, 5’8”, center defense, Clayton Heights Secondary, Cloverdale, BC), Isabella Lord (17, 5’6” center back,  Brookswood Secondary, Langley, BC) committed to the program for 2013-14.   MEN’S VOLLEYBALL Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s volleyball coach Pat Hennelly isn’t discriminating when it comes to players.  Whether they be international or home grown, Hennelly wants the best prospects he can get.  And when that prospect is from the BC Interior, it’s that much more special . The WolfPack and Hennelly are pleased to announce the commitment of their second player starting in the fall of 2013.   6’4” setter Tyler Pomietlarz of Kelowna, BC has signed a CIS letter of intent to join Thompson Rivers.  He follows in the footsteps of  6’6” left side/middle Jordan Foot of Prince George, BC. “I have been tracking Tyler’s progress since he was 14, “ said Hennelly. “ I like the fact that Tyler has improved every year.  He was cut from Team BC U-16 and then went out and improved over a year of high school and club and made the provincial team the very next year.” Pomietlarz’s  Team BC finished second at the 2012 Western Elites. “I am so happy to join this team, stated Pomietlarz.  “ I got a chance to practice with them in January and am so excited about becoming a member of the WolfPack.  The practice session I was part of was very welcoming. I didn’t feel awkward at all.” Pomietlarz has been playing volleyball for five years, starting in grade 7.  He admits that his size for a setter is a bit unusual. “That was one of the things Pat wanted to do is recruit a big setter.  I am the tallest setter in BC.” He says his height and his hands are his main strengths. “ My size does help a lot but I think my major strength is my game sense and the way I can develop plays.  I think ahead of what’s going on out there during a game.” Pomietlarz attends Kelowna Secondary School  and has been coached the last three years by Michael Sodaro. “He is very determined to continue to improve,” Sodaro, whos coached high school and club in Kelowna for the last 15 years states. “ He knows that he needs to learn and get stronger to compete at the CIS level, but brings with him the desire and ability to be a great CIS setter. He wants to win.” Pomietlarz was part of the K.S.S. team which finished second at the 2012 BC “AAA” high school boys championships where he was a second team all-star. “I think Tyler will blossom here under Mike Hawkins as an assistant coach and Colin Carson (Prince George, BC) as a fifth year setter as well as Graham Stoliker (3^rd year, setter, Surrey, BC),” states Hennelly.  “The first year, Tyler will get a chance to develop strength and be mentored by our current setters and coaching staff. The plan is when Carson finishes his fifth year, Tyler will be able to step in and run our offense and team systems along with Graham without missing a beat.” Adds Hennelly :” Tyler had options to go play earlier at College, but decided to spend a year developing at TRU.  I think this will pay dividends for Tyler and our program for the future.” During his visit, Pomietlarz got to do something no other WolfPack recruit in any sport has done: and that was be a part of a school visit, something the Thompson Rivers Athletic program prides itself on.  “When I went into the elementary school, all the kids thought I was part of the WolfPack team,” he said. “ They were giving me high five and doing the wolf howls. It was very cool to fit in nicely with the rest of the guys. Its not often the whole community knows about volleyball players.  I am looking forward to participating in more community events over the next five years.” Pomietlarz will be enrolled in the business program at TRU with an eye to earning a Bachelor of Business Administration. The two newest WolfPack—Foot and Pomietlarz are very familiar to each other, according to Hennelly. “ Tyler and Jordan were teammates with Team BC and plan on being roommates at TRU.”   SIDE OUTS:  Sodaro and Hennelly have a past.  They are good friends from their University days at UBC.   Sodaro  admits he does think he did have a bit of a hand in getting Pomietlarz to choose Thompson Rivers. “ I have faith and his ability to train Tyler into a great setter. Pat has done a tremendous job and sees the potential in Tyler. If your coach believes in your future as much as you do, you have a greater chance at success.  I also think it’s a great opportunity to leave Kelowna, still be close to home, which is good for him and his family for support. Sodaro has this anecdote:  “ I did an interview of my own children (three boys aged 5,7 and 9) talking about the 2012 KSS Owls.  They have been around these boys since grade eight and have played with them over the years-they look up to all of my players. I asked my boys which of the players was their favorite and my seven year old chose Tyler out of the 12 layers, which shows he made a great effort to know and play with my children on tournaments, practices and trips. I really appreciated that.”   MEN’S BASKETBALL By MARK HUNTER Daily News Sports Reporter Chas Kok will step right out of the classroom and onto the basketball court in April. He's already champing at the bit. Kok, a former TRU forward who now is an assistant coach with the WolfPack, is set to start his second season in the International Basketball League once he is done his schooling this spring. Last year, Kok helped the Bellingham Slam to the championship in the IBL, a professional league based in the Pacific Northwest. Kok played two seasons with the WolfPack, and earned a reputation as a hard-nosed player with a competitive streak. That competitive side continued last season, when Kok joined head coach Scott Clark's coaching staff. There were times when Kok looked ready to explode on the bench as the WolfPack struggled to an 8-14 record and missed the playoffs. He's more than excited, then, to get back on the court in April. "Absolutely," said the 24-year-old native of Lynden, Wash. "I have a punching bag at my place - I'm always hitting it. I'm incredibly competitive." Although the IBL is considered the minor leagues, it's also very competitive. The Slam's roster is filled with former college players and others who currently play professionally overseas. With that in mind, Kok has enlisted the help of personal trainer Kimo Jandoc in Lynden - Jandoc, a former Kamloops resident, has Kok working out. "He has me doing some difficult workouts," Kok said. "I do an hour and a half or two hours lifting each day, and an hour and a half or two hours working on basketball. "I've always taken basketball very seriously, and training is the one thing I can control." Kok is currently in TRU's bachelor of education program. He will miss the first few Slam practices due to a two-week practicum at Pacific Way Elementary, but will return to Lynden the day after his last class and will be ready to play the Slam's first game at the end of April. He's looking to improve on his first season, in which he averaged 6.4 points per game off the bench. Kok likely will come off the bench again this season, but wants to be more prepared. "My last season (at TRU), it was different - I was playing out of position (at centre)," said the 6-foot-6 Kok. "In Bellingham, I was playing shooting guard. It was a big change. "I was a bench player — if I came in and made a three, I was getting more minutes. If I missed my first three, I might be back on the bench." Kok, who averaged nearly 20 points in his final season at TRU, will play behind Paul Hafford again this season. Hafford, at 28, "is getting older," Kok said, "which is something I like to remind him about." After this semester ends, Kok will have a year remaining in the education program. "This is an opportunity for me to keeping playing," Kok said. "If it turns out I can keep playing and get my degree . . . maybe I'll put some feelers out in the winter." Kok is thinking about Australia, where he could teach and play. Or, if that doesn't turn out, he would consider coming back to Kamloops.   BADMINTON The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack badminton team continue to make strides to improve itself.  The WolfPack, head coach Alex Perkin, and assistant coach Ross Perkin, are pleased to announce the signing of Joel Feenstra and Nathan McNeilly.   Both are from King’s Christian School in Salmon Arm. “Nathan is a strong player with good technical skills while Joel is very athletic and has high end potential,” says Ross Perkin.  “Both are very coachable. Joel has won a number of singles and doubles tournaments in the Interior.” Feenstra and McNeilly become the WolfPack’s third and fourth recruits for the 2013-14 PACWEST season.  The two have been doubles partners at King’s Christian School since junior high. “Our success as players probably came from the fact we are good friends outside of badminton,” says Feenstra, who is currently on a student exchange in France until the end of May.  “He covers what I lack in skill.  I’m hoping we’ll be able to team up again at TRU.” The two have played under and have been assistant coaches with King’s Christian School’s Margot Deveault and Paul Sutherland.  Deveault has coached McNeilly for seven years and Feenstra for six.  “Nathan is a very quick thinking player. He loves to play, win or lose, and rises to the challenge of whomever he is playing. He was chosen to be a member of our zone’s badminton team for the BC Winter Games when he was in grade eight.  Joel is very athletic with a long reach.  He is patient and willing to work and to wait for the point. There is no quit in him.” Feenstra and McNeilly are the first King's Christian School badminton players to move to the post secondary level. “They both have a desire to constantly and consistently improve,” states Deveault.  “They are hard workers with great work ethic and are very coachable. They are also team players, willing to work with any teammate who needs pointers or a partner.” Both players have acted as assistant coaches with the King’s Christian School grades 6-12 badminton program since they were in grade 10. The King’s Christian School badminton program has finished first in the Junior Okanagan Valley  league the last three years, and second or third in the Senior Okanagan Valley league, and the Senior team hopes to make it to the Provincials in 2013. McNeilly is undecided on whether to enter the business or science faculties at TRU while Feenstra is looking at Digital Art and Design or Performing Arts.