TRU High Performance Centre (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETICS

‘It represents a community that believes in us’; TRU WolfPack unveil High Performance Training Centre

Oct 25, 2023 | 6:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — The ribbon hadn’t even been cut yet, but WolfPack athletes were already hitting the weights Wednesday morning (Oct. 25) at the new Sports Legacy Fund High Performance Training Centre to ensure they will be ready to go on game day.

“It feels like a bit of a new era about how we can prepare and train our student-athletes,” said TRU Director of Athletics and Recreation Curtis Atkinson. “And you are competing against other institutions across the country. You are always looking for things you can carve out as an advantage and part of that is how you are going to physically prepare your student-athletes. And this gives us a new opportunity to do that in a different way with unbelievable equipment and unbelievable space.”

While helping to train the current rosters, the space will also be an invaluable asset in helping coaches recruit the best talent to Kamloops.

“This is a huge part of that. When we bring recruits in here, this is certainly a piece that we want to showcase for them and make it very clear that they can train here, they have access to a strength and conditioning coach, the space and equipment is world class. We are thrilled to be able to offer that now,” added Atkinson.

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The space was realized thanks to a half-million-dollar investment from the Kamloops Sports Legacy Fund.

“This is exemplary of what we are trying to do in the community with providing a legacy,” said Bob Smillie, Kamloops Sports Legacy Fund Society Executive Director. “This is a prime example of how the capacity of the organization will be increased by having this facility and the community will benefit so much for the young athletes and the community itself.”

With banners proudly hung high around the facility, it serves as motivation to bring another national championship home to Kamloops.

“It means late nights in the gym, early mornings on the court and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It signifies countless hours of preparation, sweat and sacrifice. And above all it represents a community that believes in us, that supports our dreams and understands in the transformational power of sports,” said Wolfpack volleyball player Hadley Schmidt.

The dream of the new centre is that it helps take the WolfPack to the next level as a perennial USports powerhouse.

“I think the commitment we see from athletes and the belief now that the university is invested in them, the community is invested. They can do some great things here with access to a space like this. It really does feel like it can take us to another level,” said Atkinson.

Of the $500,000 investment, $125,000 will also be used for future scholarships and awards for athletes.