WOLFPACK A.D. REACTS TO CANADA WEST DECISION

For Immediate Release--May 6, 2009

Winnipeg, Man--"I suspected it but its still business as usual." That's how the Athletic Director of Thompson Rivers University is reacting to news that the WolfPack Athletic program will remain a probationary member of the Canada West for at least another year.

Ken Olynyk was a bit surprised by the decision by Canada West to defer granting full status to both TRU and the University of the Fraser Valley. As a result of the move, TRU will remain playing basketball and volleyball in the Canada West next season (2009-10), UFV will play soccer and basketball.

"We have a schedule and are planning to improve on our placings from last year, "says Olynyk, pointing to the WolfPack hosting not only its annual International men's volleyball tournament in January 2010, but also being the host school for the 2010 CIS National men's volleyball championships in March.

"Knowing where we stand is a relief in a way, "he adds. "Now our coaches can tell our returnees and prospects we will be playing in the top echelon of Canadian University sports. We hope that we'll be given full status next year."

Not only were TRU and UFV, deferred full membership at the Canada West Annual General Meeting, but the status of three applying institutions: the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), the University of BC Okanagan (UBCO) and Vancouver Island University (VIU) will also be determined at the May 2010 Canada West AGM, to be held in Victoria, BC.