USPORTS Soccer Nationals (Image credit: CFJC)
NATIONAL SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS

USports nationals kick off at TRU as soccer stars brave the cold

Nov 10, 2022 | 5:49 PM

KAMLOOPS — Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is hosting the USports Men’s Soccer National Championships this weekend.

Although the players have to battle the cold throughout the tournament – the excitement around TRU is at an all-time high.

TRU hosts nationals for the second time in the program’s history and for the first time since 2017. The university as well as the city couldn’t be happier.

“Our committee has been working really hard to get to this point, we’re thrilled to have the top eight teams in the country here now and obviously for us the WolfPack representing TRU and the City of Kamloops is a big deal so we’re very excited about it,” says TRU Athletic Director Curtis Atkinson.

City crews had to clear snow off of the field following last weekend’s snow dump but say it’s all worth it to see competition and the tournament carry on.

“It’s exciting for the City of Kamloops and we’re excited to be able to be a part of it and clearing off the field making the field safe for the athletes,” says Mike Decicco with the City of Kamloops.

Visiting teams were surprised by the cold weather coming from different provinces as it was quite a shock flying into Kamloops.

“It’s great if we see lots of fans out to support the guys we had some loyal parents came from across the country it’s great playing in front of fans and to play in front of a city that really embraces it, the folks here at TRU are fantastic hosts and couldn’t have asked for anything more,” says Krista Mckenna with St. Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia.

“I think this shows why athletics are so important to an institution because we can really put TRU on the national stage this is a really great opportunity to showcase our institution beyond our athletic program and get people talking about Thompson Rivers University,” adds Atkinson.

The TRU WolfPack Men’s Soccer squad prepares for the weekend entering nationals with a 7-3-5 record hoping to showcase their talents and TRU.

Competing on the national stage, the WolfPack wants to display the best of Kamloops to its fans.

“It’s great, it’s another event it’s been a great year hosting events again within the city, this is another big one that we’re hosting this year to kind of finish off the season for our events and athletic fields it’s great to see people come to the city and hopefully have a big turnout tonight,” says Decicco.

“We think people will look at this and say “hey, something cool is happening in Kamloops and at Thompson Rivers University and bring us a little more recognition,” adds Atkinson.