TRU WolfPack to host 2017 CIS Men’s Soccer Nationals

Jul 21, 2016 | 10:56 AM

KAMLOOPS —The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack will be hosting another National University sporting championship.

Canadian Interuniversity Sports has made it official: the 2017 CIS Men’s Soccer Nationals will be coming to Thompson Rivers University, the city of Kamloops and Hillside Stadium in November of 2017.

“On behalf of Thompson Rivers University, we are extremely pleased and excited to be hosting the 2017 CIS Men’s Soccer championship,” said WolfPack director of athletics and recreation Ken Olynyk. “We look forward to working with the CIS office in putting together a first class national championship.”

As host of the Soccer Nationals, the WolfPack will get an automatic berth.

TRU head coach John Antulov has been building his program for the last three years.  “We are excited for this opportunity to host nationals. We are humbled by the fact that Ken and Matt (Milovick, TRU Vice President: Administration and Finance) have the confidence in us that we can put a quality product on the field and do our university and city proud.”

Antulov adds: “We know it will be a difficult challenge but one I, the coaching staff and players are willing to meet. We have a year and a half to prepare and at this point will have an experienced group to compete. It will be up to us at that time to show we put the work in to be ready.”

Eight teams will battle for the Sam Davidson Memorial Trophy which goes to the top men’s soccer side in the nation.

Action will be played at Hillside Stadium November 9-12th, 2017.

Preparations to host the event will begin immediately.

The WolfPack have hosted one other CIS championship in their 11 years in the league: the 2010 CIS Men’s Volleyball Nationals held at the Tournament Capital Centre.

Thompson Rivers has hosted numerous Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association championships in the past.