VENABLES LOOKS FORWARD TO RETURNING HOME
Former Kamloops volleyball star set to play final CIS games in Hometown

If the main storyline of this weekends CIS men's volleyball matches in Kamloops is that the Thompson Rivers WolfPack and Manitoba Bison are jockeying for post season positioning, then a close second would be the return of Bison setter Drew Venables. You see, Venables is returning home.

A star at Sa-hali Secondary from 1999-2004, Venables moved into University ball: first at the University College of the Cariboo before heading East to Manitoba.  Now into his 4th and possibly final year, barring a meeting in the post season, these matches will be his swan song here.  Since the way CIS scheduling goes, any Manitoba/TRU matchup in 2008-09 will be on the Prairies.

“Its always a joy coming back home,” says the 6-6 Venables from Winnipeg.  “I’ve been trying to push the thought out of my head that I’ll be playing in my hometown because I’m still playing a road game which is always hard."   Venables adds, “The fact we are playing a strong team ahead of us in the rankings (CIS top 10) means there is so much at stake."

This has been quite a year for Venables.  Two weeks ago he was the Canada West Male Athlete of the Week and he’s been among the league leaders in assists.

“I can honestly say this has been the most enjoyable team I’ve ever played for in Volleyball. Going into the year, we had two returning players that had actually seen the floor, the rest were all rookies.  Coach Phil Hudson is the best coach I have played for and has transformed our team from being undisciplined and raw into one that takes to the floor every night with a fighting chance to win." 

TRU bench boss Pat Hennelly coached Venables with the Team BC in 2002 and has a lot of respect for him.

“Drew is an excellent player and the success Manitoba has had this year can be directly tied to his play.”

Although the Bisons are number one in his heart and mind, Venables is excited to see his favourite sport starting to take off popularity wise in his hometown. 

“Its tough to be excited, as they (TRU) are ahead of us in the standings," he laughs.  “But its really satisfying to see a very successful CIS program in Kamloops. Pat Hennelly has done a great job with some pretty tough circumstances. This is a very tough league to play in and they have improved faster than any program before them.  I’m very proud of Kamloops for being such a great host for all athletics.  The Tournament Capital Center is by far one of the finest in all of Canadian University Sport."

There’s no doubt that come Friday and Saturday night (Jan 25-26), a lot of people will be filling the stands at the T.C.C. to see the prodigal son return.  Not only friends and family, but a number of students from his alma mater will be there as well.  So how does Venables feel about that role model role?

“I hope that the youth understand sports are played to be enjoyed. Everytime I play I have fun and enjoy what I do.  Some times it seems that athletics get a crazy side to them with parents or media, when really it’s a game and a challenge to see how skilled you can become in all aspects of it.  I was lucky to have dedicated high school coaches who took an interest in all their players. Its nice to know that now, Kamloops talent can stay home and have a chance to play for one of the top Mens programs in the Country."

Venables and the Bison take on the TRU Wolfpack Friday night at 7:30 pm  and Saturday night at 6:30 pm at the Tournament Capital Center. Tickets available at the door.