WVB GIVE INSIGHT TO HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS
For immediate release: January 1, 2009
Kamloops—For some BC Interior High School volleyball players, they got some insight into the future during their Christmas Vacation. Five girls from Kamloops and Prince George were invited to be a part of a special ‘camp’ hosted by Thompson Rivers University WolfPack interim head coach Cal Wohlford.
The five, in grades 11 and 12, spent four days ‘shadowing members of the CIS squad.
"It’s important for these athletes to feel and see what the University program is all about," Wohlford explains. " A lot of players come into this situation and are overwhelmed with the dedication and work that is involved in it. For them to see how a University program works, talking to athletes involved…gives them some awareness of what it takes and they aren’t shocked."
Wohlford was hoping to have more players take in the experience, but a number of them weren’t able to make it to Kamloops because of the inclement weather. "We focussed on players in the Interior. We want to make sure that local athletes know that we want them to be a part of our program in the future. It’s all about giving back to the community and improving the sport at the grassroots level ."
" I was interested in coming here, " said grade 11 setter Jordan Drezet of Prince George. "Getting the chance to workout under the direction of these girls (the WolfPack) gave me a good look at what it would be like to play CIS. I hadn’t played at a level like this since I was with Team BC this summer.".
Emily Bootle is a grade 12 middle from South Kamloops. The 6’2" player would love to come to TRU to play . She said it was an experience of a life time. "It’s something I won’t forget, "she said. "And the fact the team made us feel so welcome was an added bonus."
Not only did the girls work out under the auspices of the current TRU roster, but they were allowed to monitor the team's off court training and video sessions as well.
Both girls were given individual instruction by Wohlford and his coaching staff following the WolfPack regular practices and given pointers on what to work on. " I really have to work on my feet," stated Drezet, who hopes to do exactly that when she returns to Prince George to play Club volleyball in the Spring. " My dad is a setter, so he’ll help me a lot".
"I need to work on my speed and coordination." Says Bootle . "There’s a lot form in blocking when you are tall. Your have to be on time with the setters because there is a lot of fast balls in the middle. Being a lot quicker, I’m going to have to do that. Thanks to Cal, we got a workout program to help with that."
Did their experience with the WolfPack make them want to try to not only play CIS volleyball, but come to TRU as well? " I wanted to come here before," said Drezet " The fact there is a connection between PG and the volleyball programs is a bonus. And the fact they are the first program to reach out to me means a lot."
"I already knew about the scholastic programs at TRU," explained Bootle "But now that I’ve had a taste of what it would be like to play CIS, It would be a real bonus if I were able to do it in my own home town."
Wohlford said it was a great opportunity for him to see these players again. "I would say all three of the grade 12’s have a chance to play with us in the future, if they work hard. I gave all of them some drills and exercises to work on if they want a chance to make our club next season."
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