After being an assistant coach for the last 8 years in the CIS , Cal Wohlford  figures its time he took the plunge into head coaching: if only for only a year.   The long time Assistant at UBC and SFU has been signed to  be the interm boss with the Thompson Rivers WolfPack Womens Volleyball program.

“Excited. Kind of anxious too,” describes Wohlford about his initial reaction to taking over while Carrie Barrett delivers her second child.  “I’m ready even if it is just for the short time.  Pretty excited about the athletes that Im going to be coaching. I’ve followed this program from the start.  My brother played here (TRU) when it was a college.”   Wohlford’s brother Jim played volleyball with Thompson Rivers University in 1989 when it was known as the University College of the Cariboo.

Wohlford has not only been involved as an an assistant coach with both the SFU and UBC programs in the past, but he’s also coached extensively in the club volleyball system (BCO in North Vancouver BC).   He’s been around the game as a coach for the last 17 years (including four years at Langara College in Vancouver as Mens and Womens Coach).  Wohlford certainly isn’t a stranger to 2nd year’s Kelly Asleson (Right side)  and Anna Dyakiewicz. Both have played club for him and have enlisted his help in playing beach volleyball this summer

“They played club with me last year (2007) where we came fourth at nationals.” Wohlford stated “We played against Amanda (Frayne, 2nd year outside hitter), and Taylor (Hall, 2nd year setter)”.

His expectations are simple: “ Its just getting familiar with what Carrie was doing. In fairness to the girls, its such a short time that I’m going to be here, we don’t want to change too many things.  I’m watching video of what they did last year and I’ll hope to add a bit of what I’ve learned over the past few years . Our objective is to make playoffs and have a run at going to nationals.”  That’s something the womens program at TRU has never done.

What about the prospect of leaving UBC for this year long post?  “Richard Schick is a good friend. He's estatic about this (Schick is also close to Barrett).  He’s very excited for me but a bit disappointed since he’s going to miss me. Sometmes when you get into these coaching gigs, you become very close with those who you are coaching with.  Its going to hard leaving for sure (UBC).  After this stint is over will I go back to UBC?  Maybe, maybe not.  I take things year to year.

Wohlford will move to Kamloops in mid August to take part in some summer camps.  He’ll continue to run his silk screening business and clothing business (NBV: Nothing But Volleyball).