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