April 2006
Record number of TRU students to Study Abroad
April 12, 2006
Kamloops - More than forty Canadian students from Thompson Rivers University have been selected to go on Student Exchange programs this fall, an increase of more than 100 per cent over last year.
This group of outgoing TRU exchange students is the largest in the institution's history, and is an indication of the increased awareness of the opportunities and diversity of destinations and study areas now offered by TRU through the Study Abroad program.
This new group of exchange students will be attending universities abroad for one or two semesters in places as diverse as Japan, Australia, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, France, England and Austria.
As only the third Canadian university to become a member of the Washington, BC-based International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), TRU has dramatically increased the number of exchange opportunities available to students at the university, and expects application numbers will continue to increase in upcoming semesters. The opportunity for students across the institution to include an international experience as part of their university education is another important component of International Education at TRU.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Thursday, April 13
1:00 pm
Outside the International Building (facing CAC)
There will be an opportunity to interview and photograph the students outside the International Building on Thursday, prior to their pre-departure orientation. Geoff Wilmshurst, Manager of the Study Abroad Centre will also be available for interviews.
For more information please contact Geoff Wilmshurst, Manager Study Abroad, by email or call 250.371.5888
TRU Athletic Award Winners Announced
April 6, 2006
Thompson Rivers University Athletic Department hosted its 35th annual Athletic Awards Banquet this evening, honouring outstanding student-athletes for their accomplishments.
Some of the awards this evening include fourth year presentations for those athletes who have played their four years of eligibility. TRU's fourth year athletes include Becky Au and Katie Tucker of the badminton team, Shannon Enns from women's soccer and Dave Martin of men's soccer, and Will Devick, Brandon Hunter and Matt Kuroyama from the TRU baseball team.
TRU also announced its athletes of the year this evening.
TRU's Sports Task Force Athlete of the Year award is based on a student-athlete's academic and physical performance, as well as takes into account an athlete's community involvement and volunteering. The Sports Task Force Athletes of the Year for TRU are Kristi Spelay from the women's basketball team, and Travis Duncan from the men's soccer team.
TRU's Scholar Athlete of the Year award is based on a student-athlete's demonstration of prowess on the playing field and also a high level of academic excellence. This year's Scholar Athletes of the Year for TRU are Brian Smith from men's basketball, and a tie between Laura Plouffe of women's volleyball and Kali Ellis of women's basketball.
TRU's Athlete of the Year award is based solely on the student-athlete's performance on the field or court. This year's Athletes of the Year for TRU are Dan Cecchini of men's soccer, and Shannon Enns of women's soccer.
Earlier today, TRU also hosted its TRU Sports Task Force Scholarship ceremony in which the TRU Sports Task Force provided $28,450 worth in scholarships. The TRU Sports Task Force is a group of about 10 community members, many of them Cariboo College and UCC alumni, who's mandate it is to raise funds for the granting of scholarships to student athletes at TRU. Including the $28,450 awarded this evening, the Sports Task Force now annually donates up to $100,000 per year in scholarships.
Sports Task Force Athlete of the Year from Men's Soccer - Travis Duncan A starting defender for the TRU soccer team, Travis is a great role model for future student-athletes in regards to time management, work ethic and volunteering. Travis has volunteered his time this year as co-coach of the Westsyde senior boy's basketball team with Ryan Porter, assistant coaching Westsyde's senior girls soccer team with Eric Schweizer, and running for a position on this year's TRU student union. Travis was also somehow able to manage four part-time jobs and five courses in the fall semester, and two part-time jobs this semester while completing six courses to finish his degree.
Sports Task Force Athlete of the Year from Women's Basketball - Kristi Spelay Kristi, while maintaining an overall GPA of 3.33, Kristi has participated in community functions, including STARS Basketball, and has given up many weekends doing Steve Nash Basketball. Kristi is always willing to help out with clinics, and is often recognized in games, by the elementary school kids in the stands. Kristi is also a key player for the WolfPack, and is athletically very gifted. With increased experience and court time, Kristi will play a huge role in Women's Basketball Programs success.
Scholar Athlete of the Year from Men's Basketball - Brian Smith Averaging 8.15 points per game, 3 rebounds, 49% field goal percentage and 75 per cent free throw percentage as a starter for the WolfPack basketball team, Brian was also able to pull down a 3.7 GPA in the fall semester while taking 2nd and 3rd year business courses.
Scholar Athlete of the Year from Women's Basketball - Kali Ellis Kali had a tremendous first year in CIS play. Not only did she lead us in rebounding, but was always counted upon to guard the opposing team's best player. Kali also found time during the basketball season to maintain a perfect GPA of 4.0. Kali has not only a bright basketball future, but a bright academic future as well.
Scholar Athlete of the Year from Women's Volleyball - Laura Plouffe As a 2nd year college transfer Laura brought her competitive nature and outstanding work ethic to our volleyball program. She led the TRU WolfPack women's volleyball team in digs with 188 and an average of 2.81 per game. Laura is truly a student athlete. With a GPA of 4.0 and our team's defensive leader, Laura is the perfect candidate for the Scholar Athlete of the Year Award.
Athlete of the Year from Men's Soccer - Dan Cecchini Dan's a 3rd year player and team captain who at 6'3" has been quite a presence in the center of the field for our team this year. His size has allowed him extra room to maneuver into good scoring positions and has lead the team with 8 goals this year; good enough for 3rd in the league. For a big man, his ability to play the ball on the ground has been a valuable asset to his team, as well as his leaping ability allows him to win a lot of head balls in the midfield. Attaining first team all-star status and placing 3rd in All-Canadian votes, Dan accomplished all of this while playing with a bad knee.
Athlete of the Year from Women's Soccer - Shannon Enns Shannon has been a mainstay of the UCC/TRU Woman's team for the past 4 seasons. In the past two years she has been co captain of the team and in both of those years she was voted onto the first team of provincial all stars. Shannon's solid defensive play and leadership helped the team qualify for the national championship 3 of the 4 years she played for us. This year, Shannon was 2nd in the league in all-star and All-Canadian voting.
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Bronwen Scott
Media & Sports Information Coordinator
Phone: 250-371-5739
TRU Board ratifies new collective agreements
April 12, 2006
KAMLOOPS - The TRU Board of Governors is pleased to announce the ratification of collective agreements reached late last month with both CUPE support staff and the TRU Faculty Association. The long terms agreements are in place for the next four years.
"We are very pleased to have reached these agreements, and extend our appreciation to everyone involved in this process," said Board Chair Ron Olynyk.
"These important new agreements allow us all to move forward with confidence and in the spirit of co-operation as we share in the exciting evolution of our new university."
Josh Keller - Director
Marketing & Communications,
Thompson Rivers University
Kamloops, BC
250-828-5008
jkeller@tru.ca
TRU Board serves notice of motion on tuition increase
April 12, 2006
KAMLOOPS - The TRU Board of Governors has served notice of motion to increase tuition fees for next year by two per cent, the limit allowed under current government guidelines.
In terms of real dollars, it represents an increase of less than $33 per semester for a fulltime university student carrying a 10-course load. However, TRU still remains as one of the best values for a university education in Canada today, as full-time students will pay as much as $1,100 less per year in tuition fees than they would at other B.C. universities, and as much as $2,200 less than tuition fees at some other Canadian universities.
The TRU Board has also served notice of motion to increase the Athletics Fee by $2 per credit hour, which would bring the fee to $ 5 per credit. That would represent an increase of $30 per semester for a fulltime student, and would put TRU on par with similar fees at two of the other three CIS-level universities in the province.
The Board will vote on the Notice of Motion at the next regular meeting, scheduled for May 25, 2006.
Josh Keller - Director
Marketing & Communications
Thompson Rivers University
Kamloops, BC
250-828-5008
jkeller@tru.ca
TRU athletes featured at Sports Hall of Fame banquet
April 13, 2006
KAMLOOPS-TRU athletes took top honours in four categories at the recent Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame annual awards banquet for the 2004-05 season. WolfPack men's basketball coach Nevin Gleddie took home Coach of the Year honours, while WolfPack men's basketball point guard Sean Garvey took home the Male Athlete of the Year award, and the WolfPack men's basketball team scooped the Team of the Year award. WolfPack women's volleyball player Lisa Strachan was a finalist for Female Athlete of the Year.
A TRU professor, Jack Miller of the School of Education, was named Senior Athlete of the Year. Miller is active in track and field as an athlete, and as a coach. He has worked with TRU cross-country athletes at the club level.
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Parick Hennelly signs on as men's head volleyball coach
April18, 2006
KAMLOOPS-Patrick Hennelly, has been named WolfPack's men?s volleyball head coach, Thompson Rivers University Athletics Director Ken Olynyk announced today.
Hennelly, WolfPack's interim head volleyball coach for the university's inaugural CIS season, will officially take over full-time duties as head coach starting May 1, 2006.
"Pat has done an outstanding job with us this past year, not only on the court with the men's volleyball team but in all aspects of being a university coach," said TRU?s Athletic Director Ken Olynyk.
"He has recruited prospective players all year long, had involvement at the administrative level with the Kamloops Volleyball Association, conducted a couple of invitational junior and senior high school tournaments and has been involved with elementary and high school clinics."
Since being appointed as interim head coach last August to a volleyball program with only one returning player, recruiting has been a priority.
"He's built around that one player and by the end of this inaugural CIS season Pat had the men's volleyball team competing and improving each time out," Olynk said.
Hennelly attributes his team's character for helping him make up his mind to accept the head coach position.
"We went into every match this year underdogs in every category and this group of athletes kept fighting and working hard all year long," Hennelly said. "Our last match versus Manitoba was a testament to this fighting spirit. Manitoba was ranked 4th in the Nation at the time and we played them head to head for all four sets in that match."
The new head coach also credits the team for working hard off the court in the community and in the classroom to establish the groundwork for a successful program.
Hennelly is about to complete his recruiting for the upcoming year, having just signed Robin Schoebel, an U18 national team player from France, and expecting to sign a few more athletes in the upcoming weeks.
"I am looking forward to next season and our planned trip to California to play some of the top NCAA," Hennelly said. "We established some tournament and camps this past year and now with our access to the city's new facility being built, I am looking forward to bringing more events and camps to Kamloops."
"For me personally I cannot think of a better place to start my coaching career. I get to set the standard for the future in volleyball not only at TRU but also in Kamloops. It is an awesome feeling and responsibility to start my career as a CIS Coach with a new CIS program and establish the foundations for the future."
"I'm excited about keeping Patrick Hennelly on our campus," said Olynyk. "Pat has fit well in our division. He's a real people person. This is a positive move for us. We'll be moving forward as a team."
"Hennelly played with Team BC for five years and was a member of the 1989 Canada Games team as a youth, assisted and coached volleyball at UBC between 1995 and 2004, also traveling with the UBC men's team to Korea, Russia, Finland and Estonia. He worked at Northern Arizona in 2004 for the opportunity to coach full time and experience the NCAA.
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For more information, please contact Patrick Hennelly at 250-377-6118, cell: 250-572-6619 or Ken Olynyk at 250-828-5273 or cell 250-320-4263.
WolfPack to sign French pro to men's volleyball team
April 19, 2006
KAMLOOPS-Robin Schoebel a 6'5" player from Beausoleil, France has committed to play for the Thompson Rivers University men's volleyball team. Schoebel, who has competed for the French U18 National team in 65 matches, is currently playing for the Cannes team in the French Professional League.
"Robin has the ability to make an immediate impact on our team, he is a world class athlete for his age," says WolfPack head coach Patrick Hennelly. "Robin posses the physical tools to dominate at the net, and I am looking forward to coaching him next year."
Robin Schoebel wants to compete in volleyball at a high level and pursue a degree in business, an option that is not available to him in France. This is the second international player to suit up for the WolfPack, currently Behlul Yavasgel, from Turkey recently completed his rookie season with the WolfPack.
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For further information please contact:
Patrick Hennelly by email
250 377 6118 (w)
250 572 6619 (c)
High calibre Canadian volleyballer commits to WolfPack
April 21, 2006
KAMLOOPS-Thompson Rivers University is welcoming another high calibre men's volleyball player to the WolfPack.
Patrick Johnston, a 6'5" player from Whitby, Ontario, has committed to playing with the 'Pack starting in the fall for the 2006 - 2007 CIS season. He was a member of Team Ontario, the bronze medalists at last summer's Canada Games and competed for Canada on the Youth National Team in 2004.
"Patrick Johnston is a great addition to our program," newly appointed head coach Patrick Hennelly said. "His playing experience with Team Canada and Team Ontario was the libero position, but at 6'5" I feel he can also compete as a left side.
"Patrick has incredible ball control skills and a great attitude. When he visited TRU's campus in February he fit in very well with our team. He's a premier player for his age and I am looking forward to coaching him over the upcoming years."
"Johnston, 19, intends to earn a degree in Journalism at Thompson Rivers University and would like to pursue a career in sports journalism.
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For further information please contact:
Patrick Hennelly by email
250 377 6118 (w)
250 572 6619 (c)
Backgrounder
2005 Team Ontario, starting Libero
2004 U18 Canadian National Team
Current: Durham Attack Volleyball Club, Team Captain.
High School: Anderson Collegiate
Barrett renewed as head women's volleyball coach at TRU
April 26, 2006
KAMLOOPS-With today's announcement of her appointment as head coach for the WolfPack women's volleyball team, Carrie Barrett is looking forward to heading up the program for a seventh year.
"I would like to thank my family, team, coaching staff, and members of the community for their support over the years," said Barrett, who led the WolfPack in its inaugural season in the CIS last year, has coached championship teams at the university, college and club levels and has been recognized for coaching excellence.
She came to Thompson Rivers University (then the University College of the Cariboo) in the fall of 2000 from the University of Alberta, where she was assistant coach of the team that won national championships two years in a row and head coach of the U-20 provincial champion team. She also holds a bachelor's degree in sport performance from that university.
Barrett helped lead the 2002 Team BC to a national silver medal in 2003, was awarded a BCCAA Coaching Excellence Award in 2003 and led her varsity team to provincial bronze in 2004 and provincial gold and a fair play award in 2005.
I believe that Thompson Rivers University supports its student athletes and its athletic programs. With the development of on campus infrastructure, student support programs, and outstanding access to a quality education, the university sells itself when it comes to attracting student athletes from home and abroad," said Barrett, who stresses academic performance and is firmly committed to the concept of an all-around athlete. "I am honoured to be given the opportunity to represent TRU as the head coach of the women's volleyball team. I am excited with the group of outstanding student athletes, both returning and joining our program next season and look forward to continuing to move the program forward," she added. "I feel fortunate to have an established volleyball club in Kamloops that works hard in supporting developing athletes, and making volleyball accessible to everyone in Kamloops and area."
In addition to her coaching duties at TRU, Barrett remains active at the club level. Over the next few months, she will act as associate coach with U18 Team BC, including hosting team tryouts at TRU on the long weekend in May, training in Vancouver and at TRU in July and then competing in the national championship in Winnipeg at the end of that month.
In and around those responsibilities, Barrett, who is bringing recruiting to a close, will also spend time finalizing an exhibition schedule and fundraising plans, including the resurrection of the October sports swap.
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For more information, please contact Carrie Barrett at 250-318-0789 or Ken Olynyk at 250-320-4263.
New coach for women's basketball
April 26, 2006
KAMLOOPS-Thompson Rivers University athletics director announced the hiring of a new women's basketball head coach today.
Scott Reeves, who holds a Bachelor of Human Kinetics degree from Trinity Western University, a Bachelor of Education degree from UBC and NCCP Level III certification, comes to the WolfPack with a wide range of coaching experience and an impressive record.
His coaching experience includes work with CIS, high school and club teams. He was assistant coach with the Trinity Western University Spartans in 2003/04 and at Basketball Canada's Center for Performance from 2003 to present, and was head coach for Basketball British Columbia?s U16 Girls Provincial Team in 2004 and 2005, and head coach for the Brookswood Senior Secondary School Senior Girls team from 2003 to present.
Reeves has a phenomenal 155-4 record as a head coach, and a 243-31 record as an associate head or assistant at the high school level, making for a 91% win percentage. He has taken teams to the Senior AAA BC Provincial Championships for the past three years.
"I am confident in my ability to develop student-athletes in a way that corresponds with the high standards of a CIS institution such as Thompson Rivers University," said Reeves. "I am looking forward to becoming a part of and building a great women's basketball program at TRU.
"Our women's basketball team will be competitive each and every outing and they will develop the life skills necessary for success after their university careers," added Reeves, who plans a strong recruiting push this spring.
TRU Athletics Director Ken Olynyk, who coached the team last year, is excited about having Reeves at TRU.
I think Scott's high school and and provincial team experience will bode well for the future of women?s basketball at TRU," said Olynyk. "I believe that the young women in our basketball program here at TRU will help Scott in his first year and that the team will have a lot of success by the time these girls finished their varsity basketball careers. They're still a very young team."
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For more information or a photo, please contact Scott Reeves at 604-309-2297 or Ken Olynyk at 250-320-4263.
Danish volleyball star commits to WolfPack
April 27, 2006
KAMLOOPS-Martin Korsbak, a 6'8" middle from Fredericia, Denmark, who played on the Danish Junior National Team and has recently been chosen to the Danish Senior National Team, will suit up with the WolfPack's men's volleyball team this fall.
WolfPack head coach Patrick Hennelly is excited about his new recruit.
"Martin is a very significant addition to our program," he said. "The middle position in the CIS demands that the player possess size and agility. This is obviously hard to find, and adding a big middle to our team for 2006 was a top priority. Martin Korsbak will give us a presence in the middle position and will make our blocking and defence significantly better.
"This is a big piece of the puzzle and I am glad that we could finally work out a deal with Martin to come and play Volleyball for TRU," added Hennelly. "I coached his coach, Chad Grimm, and it provides a sense of comfort and confidence getting Chad's first-hand opinion about Martin on and off the court."
Grimm, currently head volleyball coach for the Middelfart Volleyball Klub, had commented that "After coaching Martin Korsbak this season, I can say he will undoubtedly make an immediate impact by bringing size and a willingness to work every day. He is a young player that can dominate at the net and is a devastating blocker when on top of his game.
Martin will no doubt make a huge impact in the Canada West this season, Grimm, who coached Korsbak for the past two seasons in the elite division in Denmark in competition with older and more experienced players than he will see in Canada, said, "Practicing every day against solid, experienced players helped him to improve a lot and gain experience. He has also been a part of big matches, having just come off a silver medal performance in the national tournament as a starting middle blocker. Being recently selected to the senior national team, Martin will gain valuable international and big game experience this summer against some of the top countries in Europe."
Danish National Team coach and former USA National Team and NCAA head coach with Stanford University, Fred Sturm, also had praise for Korsbak.
"Martin is one of the most improved players in the Danish elite league this year. He is a guy who can develop into important national team player. Martin is very mature for his age, has a great work ethic and is a dedicated athlete. I feel that as Martin matures physically he could make an impact in the NCAA. TRU is getting a great player."
TRU athletic director Ken Olynyk notes that Korsbak will join two other international students, Behlul Yavasgel of Turkey and Robin Schoebel, on TRU?s home court this year.
"I like the direction that the men's volleyball program is taking and feel that our international scholarship and international school have already benefited athletics and will continue to benefit athletics in the future," he said.
The 21-year-old Dane, who has completed his two years of mandatory military service in his home country, is now looking to pursue a degree in the sciences. He?ll arrive in Kamloops in late August to get oriented and meet his new coach and teammates.
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For further information please contact:
Patrick Hennelly by email
250 377 6118 (w)
250 572 6619 (c)
TRU trades & tech students dominate in post-secondary Skills Canada competitions
April 28, 2006
KAMLOOPS- Thompson Rivers University trades and technology students won medals in every individual competition they entered at the recent post-secondary Skills Canada competitions held this week in Abbotsford.
TRU, although it was one of a total of six participating public post-secondary institutions plus a number of private training schools, and entered only eight categories, won 28 per cent of the gold at the event.
Students brought home a total of six gold and three silver medals.
"We medaled in every contest area that we entered students in," said Cindi Thompson, TRU Skills Canada support liaison. "We just about had to rent a trailer to haul all the medals home," she grinned.
Three Kamloops students won silver medals, including Travis Johnstone for cabinet making, Mike Ryder in plumbing, and Evan Butchart in welding.
Gold medal winners include Aaron Burwell of 100 Mile House in carpentry, Jason Feenstra of Chilliwack in electrical, Jeremy Hole of Kamloops in plumbing, Daniel Daigle of Port Alberni in electronics, Keith Stonehouse, of Barriere in automotive and Maria Skers of 100 Mile House in mechanical CAD.
Now that they've beat out all the provincial competition, gold medal winners will advance to the national Skills Canada competition, to be held in Halifax May 23 to 26. Gold medalists at that contest earn the right to compete with Team Canada at the World Skills Competition to be held in Japan in 2007.
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For more information, please contact:
Tom Haag (TRU Carpentry) at 250-828-5119
Jeremy Hole at 250-819-0241
Daniel Daigle at 250-723-8499
Maria Skyers at 250-376-6476