HALEY GETS SET FOR FINAL HOME WEEKEND



For immediate release: January 16, 2009

Kamloops, BC—Each member of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack knows the importance of this weekend.  A sweep against the Brandon University Bobcats would be another step closer to the ‘Pack garnering their first home playoff date in their brief Canada West History.

For one member of the WolfPack, this weekend has a little more meaning. For outside hitter Andy Haley (Stony Plain, Alta), its his final regular season home matches.

The 6’5” Haley is trying to keep the significance of that fact in the back of his mind. “I really haven’t focused too much on it, “ he says. “ We have four weeks left in the regular season and we want to make a run.”

Haley says his final season has been one to remember thus far. “I’ve really developed a lot more as a player and have had some memorable moments on the court.”

He joined the program (starting his post secondary career with NAIT of the Alberta College League)  after its inaugural CIS campaign(2006-07)  when the team went 1-19 “. My first days here in Kamloops  were filled with excitement for we had so many new members to the team that no one really new how well we were going to do in the league. We ended up making playoffs and almost beating out the eventual national champs.”

Being the only 5 th year player on the WolfPack this year, Haley admits that its been a bit of an adjustment.  " The biggest difference has been  the fact that more people look to you for answers when before it was me looking for the answers.”

There will be a big contingent of friends and family at the Tournament Capital Center cheering Andy on in his final two home matches. But he says its been that way all season, with a number of relatives coming out to see him play on the road.

While he doesn’t start every game, Haley has been a big part of the ‘Pack’s success over the last couple of years according to TRU head coach Pat Hennelly.  “ He’s been instrumental in building the character and identity of the program. Andy has won the fitness test for the past 3 years and was voted team captain this year.  Andy is a hard worker both on and off the court.  He has helped us to wins this year over UBC, Saskatchewan and Pepperdine.  He’ll be a big part of any run we make this year.  He adds experience and intensity when he is on the court.”

And while his University career isn’t over yet, Haley is quick to point out what has been the highlight thus far.  And that was last year’s CIS Nationals. “Not only that the road we took to get there and being the underdog the whole way but one part that really sticks out was our first game in Laval vs Laval in front of 3500 people all cheering for them. It was just such a crazy feeling to have that many people cheer for the other team and yet still come out on top.”

Haley and his parents will be recognized in a pre game ceremony on Saturday (Jan 17).