WOLFPACK PLAYER BECOMES FIRST LOCAL TO PLAY AGAINST GLOBETROTTERS
For immediate Release: April 17, 2009
Kamloops, BC—For the first time since they started paying visits to Kamloops, a local player will get to play against the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters. WolfPack 4 th year forward Jeff Friesen (Duncan, BC) has been invited to be part of the show when the Trotters take on the Washington Generals, Thursday April 23 rd at the Interior Savings Center.
“I feel this is an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down,” says the 6’7” Friesen. “I was very shocked and excited when I first got asked.”
The WolfPack were approached by Jelly Events promoter Bill Jaswal in March about the possibility of having one of their players be involved. “ Being a former player (Men’s Soccer 1983-84) and graduate (Cariboo College and Thompson Rivers University), I’m always interested in helping to promote my alma mater. This just seemed like a natural.”
After Athletic Director Ken Olynyk and WolfPack Men’s basketball coach Thom Gillespie got approval from the Canada West, Friesen was chosen to represent the school and the organization.
“I have seen the Globetrotters play about four times,”the 27 year old Friesen states. “The last time was here at Sport Mart Place (Now the ISC) and I sat courtside with my dad. I’m a huge fan of the show itself, more-s0 than the individual players.”
Not only will it be an entertaining night for Friesen, but it’ll also be a chance to pit his skills against and with players who have performed in the NCAA. “I’m very proud to represent TRU and our basketball program. I’ll try not to embarrass us,” he laughs. “I’m not sure how hard to play? All I know is that the quality and talent level of the players on the court I’ll never see again and I’m so excited about that.”
Playing against players with nicknames like “Hang Time” and “Big Easy,” will Friesen get an ‘honorary’ title on April 23 rd? “The only basketball nick-name I’ve had is “Iceman” because of my last name. I’ll be happy with whatever they call me.”
What the WolfPack like to call Friesen, like all of their athletes is “role model and ambassador.”
Winning or losing won’t be foremost on Jeff Friesen’s mind when he hits the floor at the I.S.C. on Thursday. It’ll be drinking in the experience of another chapter in his basketball career. “I don’t think anything will ever compare to playing and winning a National Title (he was part of the UCC Sun Demons who won the Canadian College Basketball Title with 2004-05), but what makes this opportunity so special is that the talent level of these players is amazing and I know I will never play with guys this good ever again.”
There are still tickets available for you to see Friesen and his Washington General teammates play the Harlem Globetrotters on Thursday (April 23). Game time is 7 pm at the Interior Savings Center. Tickets start at $ 24.00 and are available at the I.S.C. Box Office and online at ticketmaster.ca.