Wolfpack’s Gunter goes into Canada West record book

Jan 28, 2016 | 3:22 PM

KAMLOOPS — With six matches to go in the regular season, Brad Gunter of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack has become the all-time Canada West leader in points and kills.

The fifth year outside hitter from Courtenay, BC goes into this weekend’s matches against the University of Manitoba Bisons with 1,371 kills and 1579.5 points. He also has 4.17 kills per set.

Gunter has started his entire career with TRU beginning in 2011.

The previous record holder was former Brandon University Bobcat Paul Sanderson.  He had 1,357 kills, and 1527.4 points between 2007-11.

“Brad has put together quite a career here, “said WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly. “He had a breakout year in year three (2013-14) and has kept it going in year four (2014-15) and five (2015-16).  He has been consistently racking up 5 kills per set. At that pace, I thought he was going to get close to the record.  He has broken both of those records with lots of time left.  It’s quite the honor. He will be able to add onto it over the next six matches and it should stand for some time.

Hennelly adds that Gunter has achieved the honor despite being injured for stretches of his career.  “To get to this level of record you have to start all five years and have productivity in all five years which he managed to do.”

“I was surprised when Pat told me,” Gunter said after hearing the news. “ I didn’t have any idea I was coming close to those records.  It made my day.  There were quite a few matches that I didn’t play. To have that many kills is pretty cool. I am sure other guys who were challenging for those records suffered injuries as well at some points of their career.”

“I think Brad is a pretty level headed guy,” said Hennelly when asked Gunter’s reaction. “He approaches these things with a grain of salt. It will be something to reflect upon once his career is over. It’s nice to see Brad step into the top ranks of all the guys who have ever played volleyball in Canada West.”

Unfortunately, the CIS doesn’t recognize volleyball records due to inconsistencies in other parts of the country in the past.

Gunter has had many achievements during his career at Thompson Rivers including being named the CIS Player of the Year, the Canada West player of the year, was a two time Canada West First Team All-star,  a CIS All- Canadian ,a member of Canada’s Junior and Senior “B” National teams,  and won the Ray Lepp Memorial Scholarship .

Gunter and the WolfPack face Manitoba at the Tournament Capital Centre Friday and Saturday (Jan 29-30).  Game time Friday on the Warner Rentals Court is 6:45 pm.