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). 

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