Take A Hike! Highlighting Trails Near Campus

Posted on 2 April 2025 by alexaliptak

As the weather outside starts to warm up and everyone defrosts from the cold winter, some students may be looking to take advantage of the beauty that Kamloops has to offer. We’re so lucky that Kamloops has so many trails and hikes of all levels for anyone to enjoy, with some even closer to campus than students may realize. These hikes offer an easy and accessible way for students to stay active.

Trail walking is so simple and perfect for anyone to enjoy, with limited items necessary. Just a pair of shoes and some water is all someone needs. The trail featured in my video is beginner-friendly, with gentle inclines and scenic views, making it perfect for students and community members alike. Kenna Cartwright Park is just a six-minute drive from campus or a 20-minute walk.

According to research, fresh air can help benefit and boost mental health. Being in nature for even a short 30 minutes can reduce stress, boost mood and improve creativity. After studying for long hours, a quick hike outside with friends can help refresh and clear your mind and catch up with your friends in a fun way.

The next time you’re looking for an easy way to take a break from school and studying, why don’t you try hiking on an easy trail? It’s the perfect way to get fresh air and enjoy Kamloops’s natural beauty.

Sports, Thompson Rivers University & The Vancouver Canucks: 3 things that embody community to Sara Westerholm

Posted on 26 March 2025 by btiani

Sports. A wide variety of communities built into a fundamental piece of culture. Hockey. A Canadian dream that allows for people to cheer, rejoice, and bask in the hopes of passion and desire in the sports industry. Hockey is a sport that allows for communities to flourish in a way like no other. Hockey brings people together. Hockey is hope. Inside the sports industry, there are many jobs to be done when telling the stories of sports and who is behind all those stories, sports journalists. Sports journalists have a front row seat of all there is to be told about sports.

Sara Westerholm has a dream. Her dream is to work in sports. She wants to tell the stories of the athletes and their fans. She wants to be able to tell both sides of the story, as everyone’s voice deserves to be heard. Everyone should have someone or something to rely on, whether its your family, friends or a sport, like hockey.

Hockey is a community that will never go away. Hockey is what brought Sara her love of sports and her dream to work in the industry. That is what brought her to Kamloops to be able to attend Thompson Rivers University to achieve her dreams. Except, they are not dreams, they are reality. Sara Westerholm is getting her education and making her mark in the sports community, and she is just getting started.

WEEKLY YOGA WITH ANDREA BRASSARD

Posted on 9 March 2025 by alexaliptak

This week I sat down with Andrea Brassard, A certified yoga instructor, who offers a free recreational class here at TRU on Monday at North Tower. The classes, called “Yoga for Weekly Movement and Breathwork “, are an hour-long class where Brassard teaches a mix of Hatha and kundalini yoga. two practices that focus on both physical and mental well-being. two practices that focus on both physical and mental well-being.

Hatha is a branch of yoga that focuses on the physical and mental well-being of someone. It’s often practiced at a slower pace, making you mindful of your breathing and controlled movements, therefore emphasizing the stress-relieving benefits of this particular yoga. Kundalini is a different branch of yoga that is a more spiritual practice, which works by combining breathwork, meditation, and dynamic movement to awaken the inner energy. Brassard’s class focuses on mixing these two yoga types together to help students find their focus and support their mental health.

With exam season approaching, students may find themselves overwhelmed with the pressure of deadlines and studying. For students who need to take a step away from their studies and reset with some light physical activity and a chance to relieve some of their stress, this class is a great resource for that. Whether you are a yoga pro or have never tried it before, Brassard’s class offers a welcoming space for everyone to recharge both mentally and physically.

Beyond the Scoreboard with Curtis Atkinson: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going

Posted on 8 March 2025 by isabellaparsons

The loud buzzing of a shot clock, banner-lined ceilings, and roaring crowds—this is the image in our heads when thinking about varsity athletics. Though my exchange with Curtis Atkinson, TRU’s very own Director of Athletics and Recreation, went far deeper than game day excitement. Curtis dove into the heart of TRU athletics and expressed just how deep the love of the game goes.

Atkinson explained to me what sets TRU apart, not just in the way we support our athletes, but also from a competition standpoint. He shared how his department supports athletes both on and off the courts and how the university academically supports everyone. From the court to the classroom, Curtis made it very clear the WolfPack membership doesn’t end at the buzzer.

Our conversation did get emotional; we spoke briefly on the passing of a TRU student-athlete. Curtis talked fondly and proudly and expressed a heartfelt thanks to the TRU community. It is a heart-wrenching reminder that yes, the sport is there; it is happening, but this team is about so much more: a sense of belonging, a family away from home, lifelong bonds.

You don’t need to be an athlete to tune in to this episode. Listen in and get an understanding of how easy it is for TRU students to participate in FREE campus recreation classes such as yoga, zumba, and intermural sports!

Plug in to this conversation and get a whole new perspective on TRU athletics and recreation

CITATIONS (audios)

GamingSoundEffects (2015) YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWO3f9GpOSo (Accessed: 08 March 2025).

Ikoliks (2020) One Last Breath Song by Ikoliks, Artlist. Available at: https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/one-last-breath/41673 (Accessed: 08 March 2025).

Snail Music (no date) YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXFlkEW3GQ0 (Accessed: 08 March 2025).

The everlasting importance of Mental Health from a student perspective

Posted on 6 March 2025 by btiani

Hello and welcome back to T is for Teamwork at TRU! Today, I am releasing the audio podcast with Grace Grantham.Grace Grantham is a second year criminology student here at TRU. She is looking to work in law enforcement with her degree. Grace is a wonderful person who makes interviewing extremely easy. Grace and I spoke about the importance of mental health and how she deals with it in her day-to-day life! This is from a student perspective which allows for open and honest transparency as sometimes it can be hard to have someone to talk to, or talk about mental health in a way that makes sense to you! Sometimes when talking about mental health, it can be highly intimidating and nerve-wracking. Mental Health is a large topic that is highly important. Mental health is one of the fundamental pillars of health and wellness. Without taking care of your mind, you cannot take care of your body. This can lead to damage to yourself and your esteem, which can lead to negative effects. Mental health is just as important as physical health as they go hand in hand. Physical health matters. Mental health matters.

Stay Active, Stay Connected: Free Fitness Classes With TRU Recreation

Posted on 15 February 2025 by alexaliptak

School can be a difficult thing to handle. With the stress of class and all the assignments and tests you have building on your plate sometimes it can be hard to find time to stay active and take care of your mental health. If you’re new to Kamloops you may find it difficult to meet new people. Well TRU recreation offers a variety of fitness classes for students and TRU staff members to take.

Hosted in the Old Gym on campus, TRU has a week’s schedule full of classes you can browse and take. It is a great way to stay active and relieve some stress. The program includes classes such as Zumba, Pilates Fusion, Bootcamp Circuit, Strength Training, and various yoga sessions. The classes run Mondays through Fridays, with multiple different times throughout the day. All classes are 40 minutes long and open for all levels of experience, so there’s no need to worry about having never taken a fitness class before.

After long days of studying and school, a nice way to take a break and refresh, is to move your body. Exercise is widely known for the benefits it has on mental health. These fitness classes can help release endorphins through physical activity, which helps boost your mood, clear your mind and reduce anxiety.

Besides the health benefits, the classes can offer a great place for you to meet new people. If you’re new to the city or the university, sometimes you may find it hard to meet new friends. These group classes can offer a safe space with you to interact with like minded people. Whether you bond over a tough workout or encourage each other during a challenging session, these shared experiences can lead to lasting friendships.

The best part is… they’re all free! So that means you reap all the rewards of a quick workout without any extra cost. So why not check out a yoga class you know you’ve always wanted to try or even a Zumba class to pump up your energy!

Beyond the Loss: A Team Tied Together by Brotherhood, Volleyball, and Heart.

Posted on 15 February 2025 by isabellaparsons

In late November 2023, the TRU WolfPack Men’s volleyball team was faced with detrimental heartbreak after a tragic motor vehicle accident took place just a turn off the Kamloops campus. One teammate, Owyn McInnis, who is forever loved, was taken far too soon. The tragedy also left Riley Brinnen and Owen Waterhouse, who were left with life-altering injuries and a long, strenuous journey ahead of them.

Though true to the name, the WolfPack honoured their name with unimaginable amounts of unity and resilience. The brotherhood shared by this group of men brought them back to complete their season in honour of their beloved teammates. The Men’s Volleyball team has shown what it means to be a Pack member; love and honour live within the team.

At the 2024-2025 season opener, dry eyes were hard to find in the Tournament Capital Gymnasium. The return of both Riley Brinnen and Owen Waterhouse was enough for a standing ovation itself. The bravery and vision of recovery were shown to the packed gymnasium when, before the first set, Owen Waterhouse displayed a beautiful ceremonial serve (Pictured Above). Immediately, he was wrapped in the arms of his teammates while the gym erupted with noise.

The 2024-25 season is coming to a close for these young men, some moving on to the next stages in their lives and some anxiously awaiting the next season under the bright TCC lights. This season was a continuation of highlighting the resilience of the Pack; their determination to move the team forward was outstanding and overall inspiring.

The numbers on the scoreboard ultimately decide the game-winner, but I think anyone who attended a WolfPack Volleyball game this year can testify that the real victory lies in the strength and love of these young men on the court.

In everlasting, loving memory.

Owyn McInnis – Men’s Volleyball – Thompson Rivers University. (n.d.). Thompson Rivers University. https://gowolfpack.ca/sports/mens-volleyball/roster/owyn-mcinnis/1140

Lucy Millam: A student athlete who continues to work on her studies, her sports, but most importantly herself!

Posted on 12 February 2025 by btiani

How Lucy stays healthy as a student athlete

Lucy Millam is a student athlete who plays on the women’s volleyball team. She is currently in her third year at Thompson Rivers University. She moved to Kamloops to be able to be on our Wolfpack. When she is at home in Victoria, she said that she is able to have a full fridge and daily meals made by her family, which is she very grateful for. When she is on her own in Kamloops, she has challenges surrounding a full fridge. Her main issue is that her mode of transportation is not always accessible as she does not have a car. If she is missing something for her meal prep, she may not be able to quickly get that missing ingredient. She has her meal preps as a way to save time due to her busy schedule, including travel, school work, practice and many more responsibilities.

How Lucy deals with stress in her daily life

Stress is not linear. Stress does not have a certain affect on people, it is unpredictable. The management of stress is of the utmost importance. Lucy has many responsibilities including her studies, her work and her sport. Being a member to the Wolfpack means a lot to Lucy. It can be very difficult to maintain a balance whilst being so busy, which can further stress and lead to unhealthy habits to develop. Lucy maintains her stress by having a strong support system behind her. Her support system allows for a calming presence which can be hard to maintain on your own. She also attacks her stress on her own by keeping a journal near by so that she is able to write down what she must complete in both the school and the sport world.

How Lucy avoids burnout

Lucy fears the word burnout. She fears it may happen to her. She does not deny that negative feelings arise but TRU and their resources make it possible to avoid burnout and continue to thrive in the sports world. She tends to focus on the positives and while she may feel feelings of doubt and anxiety, she realizes what has come and what is continuing to come from her playing at a high level. She has travelled across Canada and worldwide even, venturing all the way to Turkey to play the sport she loves. She gets to play her sport with her friends beside her and continue to further her connections to volleyball. She loves volleyball so much and is forever honoured that TRU allows her to represent them in such a competitive yet inclusive manner.

Citations

Posted on 19 January 2025 by isabellaparsons

Header

ScoreStream. (n.d.). TRU WolfPack. ScoreStream. Retrieved January 18, 2025, from https://scorestream.com/team/thompson-rivers-university-wolfpack-291102.

Alexa Liptak

Posted on 16 January 2025 by alexaliptak

Hey everyone! My name is Alexa Liptak, and I am a second-year communications and journalism student at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). I aspire to build a career with my degree in sports broadcasting or journalism, to combine my love of athletics with storytelling.

I am originally from Surrey, BC but I moved to Kamloops for school in 2023. So, unfortunately, I have only ever experienced cold winters and not the beautiful summers this city is known to have.

I currently work with the Kamloops Blazers, as well as a new women-run sports media company called “Girls at the Games”. I’ve also written a few articles for TRU’s newspaper, The Omega, which has been an exciting opportunity to develop my journalism skills.

besides work and school, many of my hobbies include the outdoors and staying active. Being from the coast, I have always loved to hike and be outdoors, especially on trails with stunning ocean views. I’m also a big sports fan, so I absolutely love going to games with my friends, especially when we get to cheer on my Canucks.