Prince George veteran pair parts of WolfPack success
The rise of the Men's Volleyball program at Thompson Rivers University has had a direct connection with the City of Prince George. Two of the veteran members of this club, which is making its first appearance at the CIS National Championsbips hail from the Northern BC City. Libero Graham Allard and setter Tim Flannigan are closing out their University volleyball careers and have played a large role in the WolfPack's success.
"Graham and Tim were originally talked to by my predecessor,'" says TRU coach Pat Hennelly. " I just confirmed that there was a spot for them. They came and have been important members of our success".
In the past three seasons, Flannigan and Allard have been part of a team which went 1 and 19 to winning a bronze medal at the Canada West Final Four. Now, they are hoping to cap it off with a strong showing at the Nationals.
"Graham and I played high school and club together," says Flannigan, who has been the WolfPack co-captain the last three years. "From going to the provincials at both levels to this....its been quite a ride."
He is a great role model," says Hennelly of Flannigan. "Tim is not only one of our top academic students, but he is an inspiration to other players in the weight room."
The 6-3 Flannigan is also a key member of the WolfPack's elementary school clinic program. Working with youngsters is something he fell into at TRU. Something that might translate into this economics major moving into the classroom as a teacher some day.
"I really like working with the young kids" Flannigan says.
"Everytime we do a clinic or a school visit, he is an excellent spokesperson and role model," says Hennelly. "We take going into the community very seriously. Tim does as well."
Two years ago, Flannigan spent part of the summer coaching a U-16 girls club volleyball team as part of the Kamloops Volleyball Association. Next year, he'll return to TRU to act as an assistant coach with this club, as he finishes off his degree and prepares to head overseas to play professionally.
"It's great when you can get guys to stick around for another year and help. As a young program that continuity is what we need," says Hennelly. "I see Tim helping with the off court stuff as well as helping with the setters. He'll be a stabilizing part of our program. He knows what we are all about, he can help with fundraising and knows the expectations. He has been a model and leader as a player and I expect that will continue as a coach."
Allard, who is a multi sport athlete (he's a pitcher on the WolfPack baseball team), credits the grassroots volleyball programs in PG for both of their success. "I don't know if its the water or what," he laughs "We aren't the first players from the area to move onto the CIS and I am sure we won't be the last."
Flannigan splits time at the starting setter position with the WolfPack. Allard, whom Hennelly calls one of the best Liberos in Western Canada is a starter.
Allard, who's 5-9 sees some similarity between his volleyball position and that of a pitcher.
"The mechanics are almost the same (referring to the overhand pitching and hitting of the volleyball). I also control the pace of both at times."
Does he have a favorite of his two sports? He just smiles and doesnt let on.
He does thank both of his coaches: former major leaguer Ray Chadwick and Hennelly for allowing him to do both.
"Ray has been pretty good with allowing Graham making volleyball his first course of action during the winter," says Hennelly.
Allard has enjoyed success in both sports at TRU. He won a League title last fall with the baseball program. He hopes to garner a medal at the CIS Nationals this weekend. Next week, he'll turn his attention to baseball, as the WolfPack gear up for their 2008 season.
While residents of Prince George don't want to cheer for any Kamloops based sports teams. Maybe this weekend, they will set that aside to root for two of their 'home boys'.