Sept. 11, 2019

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T H O M P S O N R I V E R S U N I V E R S I T Y ' S I N D E P E N D E N T S T U D E N T N E W S PA P E R

VOLUME 29 · ISSUE 02 · SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

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TRU DUBBED "COOLEST SCHOOL"

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ON-CAMPUS RESIDENTS TAKE PART IN ORIENTATION

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ADAM SWANSON RETURNS TO THE PITCH

Students kick off the new school year the best way Brianna Schellenberg STAFF WRITER Ω Last Friday, TRU’s campus was packed with students ending the first week of classes at the Back to School BBQ. The warm weather and live music made for an enjoyable day as people strolled from booth to booth, playing a variety of games, winning prizes

and entering giveaways.

Prizes such as water bottles, gift cards and plenty of candy were given out. Lines stretched around the Campus Commons for hotdogs, hamburgers and beverages served by TRU faculty and staff.

The booths included many of TRUSU’s clubs and organizations such as TRU Pride, who were raising awareness on Banning Conversion Therapy in BC,

and the TRU Study Abroad Program, talking to students about their experiences with the program and how to be apart of it. Many local businesses and groups were in attendance, such as Oxygen Yoga & Fitness, who were giving out a week of free fitness classes.

See Students Page 2

Students gathered under the sunshine in lines stretching across campus for free food during the annual back to school BBQ. (Aidan Grether/The Omega)

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NEWS

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

Students ooded Campus Commons for free swag as far as the eye can see Get Your Drugs Tested!

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musicians performed for the crowds, hyping the students up for completing their first week of the semester. Hosted and organized

by TRU Students’ Union, the BBQ is always a great way to welcome everyone back to school for the year.

CONTINUED (COVER) The Kamloops Green Party made an appearance, speaking to students about their campaign and important topics such as the climate crisis and creating sustainable jobs.

On the main stage, local

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Students welcomed the new school year by turning campus into a playground. (Aidan Grether/The Omega)

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Weekend orientation helps new on-campus residents find a community Residence Orientation kicks off the school year for 300 students starting their journey at TRU Kaylee Butler CONTRIBUTOR Ω TRU Residence spent a busy weekend welcoming new residents with their second annual Residence Orientation.

This past weekend 300 students living in on-campus housing came together for a three-day Orientation program, run through TRU Housing.

The events were planned by the Residence Life staff during the summer and focused on creating a community within the three on-campus residences.

This was the second orientation program, replacing what used to be the early move-in program and it has been a huge success with this year experiencing record numbers of participants.

Starting on the evening of move-in day, events included trips to popular Kamloops locations like Sun Peaks, a trip to Scoopz to see the last installment of music in the park, utilizing the slip and slide as well as laser tag.

The Residence even brought in guest speaker, A’ric Jackson who encouraged everyone to not be scared and trust in themselves and the decisions they will make this year.

Both residents and staff alike find that the orientation program helps them get settled into the school year and meet new people, especially through activities like capture the flag.

“The residents had so much fun [playing capture the flag] and it was interesting to see the tactics that they took to actually capture the flag,” Kudzai Nyakudya, a returning Resident Advisor at TRU Residence said, “We played Charades right

after because people didn’t want to go home, we played for a solid 45 minutes, it was fun.”

Nyakudya came to the residence in 2017 and has been involved in various ways in residence since then.

“I think it helps people get out of their rooms and helps people form friendships. It helps people get over missing home,” Nyakudya said.

The Residence staff worked tirelessly to make sure that everyone feels welcome and that the residence building starts to feel like home.

“Try everything. Don’t be afraid to meet new people, it may be scary at first but you will thank yourself afterwards,” Nyakudya expressed.

Throughout September there will be more events to help students learn more about where they live and how to maximize their potential.

New on-campus residents dance as they mingle during Music in the Park at Riverside Park during orientation weekend. (Kaylee Butler/The Omega)

Take Back the Night returns to the streets of Kamloops Kamloops will take to the streets in awareness of sexualized violence against women Brianna Schellenberg STAFF WRITER Ω The Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre is preparing to host Take Back the Night, an event that takes place worldwide in an effort to raise awareness about sexualized violence against women.

The movement originated in Philadelphia in 1975, after the murder of a woman who had been walking home late one

evening. The events often include marches, rallies and vigils to honour the victims.

The KSACC has held this event in the past, starting approximately 25 years ago. It gives the community a chance to stand together and show support to victims of sexual abuse.

“In the last couple of years the discussion around sexual violence has gained a lot of media attention, but prior to that it didn’t,” Barb Gladdish of the KSACC explains, “and because

it wasn’t talked about openly amongst societal members, we ensure the protection and safety of the people who are accessing services at KSACC.” The Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre is a non-profit organization that opened its doors in 1982. They offer a variety of free resources to both male and female children and adults, including specific counselling programs and community-based victim services such as supporting survivors that are accessing

the criminal justice system.

The centre also has a Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Response Team, mostly made up of volunteers, who support people who access Royal Inland Hospital and have recently been a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence.

People are encouraged to arrive at 4:30 p.m. to make posters for the march, and opening speeches and prayers will begin at 5 p.m.

Snacks and refreshments will be available after the march, along

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with music and yoga.

“It’d be great to get more people out [to the march], and as we educate and work more collaboratively with the community, I think that movement will help us to go forward to see more people in attendance,” Gladdish said.

The event is open to anyone who wants to attend. The event in Kamloops will be taking place this Sept. 12. It will be held at St. Andrew’s on the Square at 159 Seymour Street.

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ARTS

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

TRU dubbed the "coolest school" in North America The university was awarded for its leadership in sustainability Farrah Johnson NEWS EDITOR Ω On Sept. 3, 2019, Thompson Rivers University was named Canada’s “coolest school” by the Sierra Club of Canada.

The university stood out amongst 283 other institutions across Canada and the United States and was awarded for leading the way in “sustainable energy, purchasing, public engagement, water, waste and buildings.”

“The Sierra Club of Canada includes the STARS scores from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) and then

ranks schools according to the club’s own weighting criteria, based on its own priorities,” a statement from TRU Marketing and Communications read.

“The club also includes a supplemental question about fossil fuel investments.”

The Cool School status comes shortly after the AASHE recognized TRU as the top master’s institution in its 2019 Sustainable Campus Index.

TRU also ranked first in the energy category and tied with the University of Alberta for coordination and planning.

During the fall of 2019, TRU achieved a platinum rating in STARS, making it the first university in Canada to rank that position and one of only six in the world to attain that level.

TRU has taken great pride in the sustainability initiatives that made this title possible. (Aidan Grether/The Omega)

Get Happy Events is all about the fun Kamloops locals combine fun and fitness and create events surrounding happiness Elizabeth Nygren ARTS EDITOR Ω Two things that are difficult to balance in university are fun and fitness. Get Corked 2019 has a solution for that. This sold-out event combines wine drinking with a 5km or 10km run/walk. The event website, gethappyevents.net, says ‘this event is all about the fun.’

Get Corked 2019 isn’t about making it to the finish line as fast as you can, but about the fun and wine at every stop. Get Corked 2019 is their signature event.

Jo Berry is one of the founders of

Get Happy Events. Berry says that the events are really about making running and walking fun.

“Costumes are crazy and encouraged and people go all out [for these events],” Berry said.

Berry also says that their events encourage a fun and non-competitive atmosphere “where everybody’s pace is equal.”

They have all sorts of special cakes and prizes, but Berry does this to make people happy. “We just love to show people that running can be a really fun thing to have in your life.”

Although this event is sold out, you can still sign up for an email

reminder about next year if you’re sure you’ll attend in the future.

Berry says that registration for Get Corked 2020 will start Dec. 31, 2019, so register when you can.

Get Happy Events will also be putting on ‘Get Spooked’ on October 25th of this year, which you will not want to miss. They have also held ‘Get Canadian’ in the past on July 1st to invoke spirit on Canada day.

Berry says “It’s just been a really incredible journey around connecting the dots between mental health and movement. Boogie [the Bridge] was inspired through that 20 years ago after losing my mom

to depression.” Berry says it really started to make her think about connecting emotions through fitness. Get Happy Events started 5 years ago.

The main goal at Get Happy Events is to make people happy!

Their website says that their events are loaded with “music, dancing, community, tons of smiles, yummy food, fun prizes and of course, joyous movement.” Anyone is welcome at their events, and they welcome everyone to have fun and make memories.

“All bodies are beautiful. We encourage all shapes and sizes to come out. [People] feel intimidated

because [they] have this mental picture in their head that runners are 6 feet tall, skinny - all bodies are supposed to be different and unique, and everybody runs unique. You’ll feel super supported,” Berry said.

Jo Berry is also the founder of RUNCLUB Kamloops and Boogie the Bridge. Berry and Thiessen work together as partners and best friends to put on these events.

If you are interested in what’s to come, check out their website, gethappyevents.net. Registration for Get Spooked 2019 is available now.

What you didn’t know about the KAC Who is the Kamloops Arts Council and how did they come to be?

Elizabeth Nygren ARTS EDITOR Ω

For those that don’t know the Kamloops Art Council, otherwise known as KAC, is the largest promoter of Arts in Kamloops.

Terri Hadwin, Executive Director of the KAC, says “Our vision is connecting creative communities.

Basically our mandate is to support emerging and established artists within Kamloops and the surrounding areas.”

The KAC does about a million things for the community according to Hadwin. “One of the things we’re probably best known for, but is not one of the biggest things we do, is the events that we host throughout the year.” Hadwin specifically mentions Art in the Park in Riverside Park on Canada day.

The KAC offers exhibits all year

round and also has a program called ‘Art in Public Spaces,’ where local art rotates through places like the library, airport, hospital, and other businesses in the city.

The KAC also has an Outreach Program.

“We hire artists to go and work with [people in high-risk situations] so they can heal through art. It’s such a valuable thing that’s apart of our community that not a lot of people know about,” Hadwin said.

Regarding funding, Hadwin says “One of our biggest champions is the City of Kamloops. They give us $40,000 at the beginning of every year for basic operations and to support the children’s art festival and art in the park.” The BC Arts Council and the Province of BC are also huge supporters of the KAC, and with this initial $40,000, they grow it to $400,000.

What you may not know is how they support TRU students in

Kamloops. The Rivertown Players is a children’s summer theatre troupe hired by the KAC and made up of young emerging actors. This troupe is commonly made up of theatre students from TRU. “They get the opportunity to write, and direct, and they create their props, they create their costumes, and then they go all over Kamloops and perform for children for free,” Hadwin said.

TRU students are more than welcome to join in on the fun by volunteering at events with the council and supporting their endeavours.

“There are at times employment opportunities with us, or opportunities to network with other artists, [and] there’s opportunities to showcase your artwork.” TRU students can also become members of the Arts Council for $10 a year to support their initiatives.

“It shows that you value us as much as we value you,” Hadwin

said.

So what’s coming up for the KAC? The 20th Annual Children’s Arts Festival is taking place on Friday and Saturday, September 13-14. This event is completely free, and they are offering transit to Riverside Park for free; families just need to go online to kamloopsarts. ca to download the free bus pass.

This year’s theme is ‘Wizards and Wonder’ so make sure you come in your best costume!

“It is accessible to absolutely everybody which is wonderful. [The bus pass] is through sponsorship from the city so we are very thankful for that, as well as [for] various other funders,” says Hadwin On Friday, children will have the opportunity to come to the “Kids FunShop After School Party”. This after school event is geared for children ages 6-12. On Saturday, children have from 10-4 to engage in all the free art activities and performances at Riverside Park.

“It’s a pretty awesome way that we get to expose various disciplines of art to children at a very young age. They get to see what it’s like to see a live performer or do some painting,” among showing them other art forms like stop motion animation.

Hadwin would also like to acknowledge the KAC Board of Directors, Staff, and Volunteers.

“Without them, it wouldn’t run.

These people are either not at all paid or underpaid but they are definitely not undervalued.”

The KAC office and KAC Gallery Cooperative, a gift shop that hosts local artwork, is located in downtown Kamloops in the Old Courthouse Cultural Centre at 7 Seymour Street West. You can contact them at 250-372-7323 or email them at info@kamloopsarts.ca for more information. Tune into their website at kamloopsarts.ca to check out what’s next to come.

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The much loved Therapy Dogs set to be back on campus TRU students can anticipate the best stress-busters come to the rescue Sadhika Burman STAFF WRITER Ω Fall classes have begun and they bring with them the beloved Therapy Thursdays: For The Love of Dogs program.

If you’re a new student at TRU and are getting crowded with the stress of starting or coming back to university or anxiety in general, Thursday is the day you get to comfort yourself with lots of calming ‘woofs’.

The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs are around during the day in Old Main at Student Street. The volunteers are very friendly and the dogs are so

affectionate. Just the way it should be.

Research suggests that using therapy dogs in times of increased anxiety or in response to traumatic events helps reduce symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Not only soothing but therapy dogs also help you develop your social and interpersonal skills according to research.

Besides, being the ‘coolest’ university in North America, TRU also focuses on the mental health and well being of its students.

The Wellness Centre is very welcoming and for a lot of students to put their guard down.

“The Wellness Centre is my

safe space on campus. In the last few semesters, I would go there between classes just to take a break, chill or maybe even take a nap. There’s no judging, Andrilla Rahman, a second-year Bachelor of Science student said, “You could be just doing your own thing and it somehow just makes sense,” While the therapy Thursday program returns to campus in the second week of September, the Wellness Centre is under construction and should be ready to go around the same time. So don’t forget to check out one of the best things that TRU has to offer this semester.

Get involved, paw-se, relax and enjoy the fall while it lasts.

The Therapy Dogs have been the go-to stress-buster for many TRU students over the years with the help of St. John's Ambulance. (The Omega)

Take back your health and fight the Freshman 15 A quick how-to guide to help students stay healthy this school year Farrah Johnson NEWS EDITOR Ω College is no doubt one of the most memorable times in the life of a developing student, but it can also be of the most stressful period of their lives.

For freshman students especially, balancing school and social life can prove particularly daunting and the initial struggle of adapting to a new lifestyle can have a significant impact on their health.

In fact, all over the world, students have fallen victim to the freshman 15 phenomenon -an expression used to loosely describe the weight first-year students gain in their freshman year.

While there is much debate on the accuracy of the 15-pound estimation, research proves that most students do gain weight in their first year of college.

How do students get it?

During university, students tend to consume a significant amount of energy-dense foods that lack nutrients and minerals.

While studying, the majority of students opt for French fries, cheeseburgers and pizza over salads and fresh fruits, because these foods are considered cheaper and more convenient.

Not to mention, these fast food staples also serve as comfort foods that help students cope with the stress from their studies.

Unfortunately, such foods are often high in sodium, sugar and saturated fat and also help students to pack on the pounds.

How can the Freshman 15 be avoided?

1. Aim for healthy options- Students wishing to avoid the freshman 15 should make a conscious effort to cut down on unhealthy foods or avoid them altogether.

Most junk food contains too much salt, calories and sugar. Consuming too many foods with such content can lead to dire health consequences.

2. Try to eat at home- Most students would have been accustomed to their parents preparing their meals. This newfound freedom can lead to poor meal choices.

Still, it is always best to buy fresh

and prepare meals at home. This is because homemade meals are generally healthier, plus studies show that people tend to eat fewer calories when eating in.

3. Eat fast food in moderation- The likelihood of college students completely avoiding fast food could translate to them potentially starving altogether.

Still, students should aim for at least three home-cooked meals a week. Meal prepping can increase a student’s chances of achieving a balanced diet, and it proves significantly cheaper than paying

to eat out every other day.

4. Prioritize exercise- College can be busy, but students should make time in their schedule to hit the gym for a few hours at least once a week. Exercise has been proven to aid in the alleviation of stress and it also helps to sharpen a student’s concentration and cognitive processes.

5. Check out the Health & Wellness Centre- Most universities have a wellness centre that offer students information and services on how they can achieve a healthy lifestyle.

If a student is truly interested in

living healthy but not too certain as to where to start, this is the perfect place to speak to a professional and get advice and guidance.

While the freshman 15 saying is somewhat exaggerated, incoming college students should make an active effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.

Regular exercise and healthy eating are linked to energy, worth ethic and drive, and these factors play a major role in determining a student’s overall success in one of the most crucial periods of their lives.

Looking for work on Campus??

HAVE AN APPROVED student loan or have demonstrated financial need?

Want to Earn $13.85/hr?

Check Out the TRU WorkStudy Program Positions Include: § § § §

Research & assist with projects & campus initiatives Schedule and plan for events and festivals Sell tickets and usher guests at the Theatre Act as a student peer resource/tutor

Find these jobs – and over 100 more at the TRU Student Awards & Financial Support Office (Old Main Building) Open to all full-time students currently approved for a government student loan or have demonstrated financial need, the Work Study program provides students with valuable paid work experience.

Applications and eligibility guidelines are available at www.tru.ca/awards/work-study, or visit the TRU Student Awards & Financial Support Office (OM 1629, 250-828-5024).

Take control of your health this year and avoid the Freshman 15. (Element5 Digital/Unsplash)

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SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

ARTS

It: Chapter 2 film review A film where one scene directs the feeling for the entire experience Morgan Hunter CONTRIBUTOR Ω It: Chapter 2 has such a terrific experience that it joins the likes of Lord of the Rings and The Princess Bride where their Dexus Ex Machina is noticeable but doesn’t tear down the quality of the movie itself.

It: Chapter 2 revolves around the kids from the losers club from the first It all grown up 27 years later . They're called back to the town of Derry to find a way to kill the monster that tormented them all those years ago.

The positives that accompany

It: Chapter 2 are plentiful, however, its main focus should be on its horror. Luckily, there has not been a better horrific experience that has come out in the past few years that could live up to what this show brought to the table. As well, the cast felt like almost perfect grown-up versions of the kids themselves. One scene in particular just represents how exact they match.

The story itself is fantastic in itself, however, carries a heavy burden being a straight adaptation of the second half of Stephan Kings 1000-page novel.

There are a lot of moments that will seem significant with

anyone who has read the novel, however, it does leave a few pacing issues for the fil,m in general. Though the biggest complaint that plague this film down will be its final battle scene.

This one scene is most likely the hardest scene to sell and unfortunately, it was most likely the best way the writers could wrap up the story. My own personal theory is that the writers had written themselves into such a corner that no matter what they wrote, it wouldn’t have flowed and still be respecting the source material. Which left it with the resolution/ Dexus Ex Machina that it has.

story will leave with a positive mindset if they take the entire film into account. However, the one thing audiences must do before watching the movie is to hold very strong suspense of disbelief.

The film is a high-quality experience that works very well until it doesn’t. Viewers who enjoy a good scare as well as a surprising amount of well-written comedy, even watchers who are vaguely interesting in the

Man of Medan Play Station 4 game review Until Dawn’s successor barely stays afloat next to its predecessor Morgan Hunter CONTRIBUTOR Ω Supermassive Game's newest addition to their lineup of games works well enough that it earns a playthrough for its discounted price of $40 however nowhere lives up to the company's first game

Until Daw with both scope and entertainment.

Man of Medan is the first entry in The Dark Anthology collection where a group of five twenty-yearolds gets caught up in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse from both pirates that hijack their boat and the mystery of a haunted boat that they’re transported to.

CFBX TOP 30 CFBX 92.5 FM, 350 Watts Kamloops, BC Music Director: Steve Marlow Charts to September 5, 2019 * indicates Canadian Content ** indicates a local artist

This game up and foremost is an interactive story far more than a game. Yes, there are a lot of QTE’s (quick-time events) which a good amount of people will claim to be gameplay, however, there were far more things to experience with Until Dawn that gave it more of a gaming experience as opposed to a this which comes off more of a virtual choose your own adventure book.

The story as well isn’t as revolutionary. There are a few interesting elements that give it some charm, though it only is after playing through the majority of mundane,

game is its length. If it was started and gone through all together with no breaks, the game runs a max runtime of 4 hours. Now, some might add time given to its emphasis on its replayability, however, if the game isn’t fun to play the first time around, there will be no motivation for the player to play the game again.

All-in-all, Man of Medan is a game that would be a great game to play for die-hard decision-based stories, however, causal players would be better off just buying a discount version of Until Dawn.

cliche plot points. The characters are boring to get to know and feel rushed with such stale acting coming from all of the actors/actresses involved with the exception of Shawn Ashmore.

One key aspect of this genre of game is its impactful decision and this game does have some, and others just don’t have justifiable consequences towards decision.

With no spoilers, one throwaway decision on what to say between two very similar sentences can lead to such an escalation that it's almost ridiculous.

Possibly the worst part of the

Artist - Album (Label) 1) Ada Lea* - What We Say in Private (Next Door) 2) Mauno* - Really Well (Tin Angel) 3) Debra Power* - That's How I Roll (Independent) 4) The Small Glories* - Assiniboine and the Red (Independent) 5) Hollerado* - Retaliation Vacation (Royal Mountain) 6) Various Artists - Ruf 25 Years Anniversary (Ruf) 7) Black Mountain* - Destroyer (Dine Alone) 8) Mr. Merlot* - City Sex Vol. 2 (Toneshenge) 9) Hush Hush Noise* - Hush Hush Noise (Coax) 10) Alson Young* - So Here We Are (Independent) 11) T. Nile* - Beachfires (Independent) 12) Pottery* - No. 1 (Royal Mountain) 13) Allison Lupton* - Words of Love (Independent) 14) Necking* - Cut Your Teeth (Mint) 15) Moondog Howlers* - Misbehavin' (Moondog) 16) Eagles of Death Metal - Boots Electric (Universal) 17) Starlight Pines* - City Lights (Independent) 18) Alex Little and the Suspicious Minds* - No Control (Light Organ) 19) Genevieve Racette* - No Water, No Flowers (Independent) 20) Mounties* - Heavy Meta (Light Organ) 21) Lucas Choi Zimbel* - Tempered Tantrum (Independent) 22) Hackensaw Boys - A Fireproof House of Sunshine (Free Dirt) 23) Ensign Broderick* - Bloodmyth (Six Shooter) 24) Jean-Paul de Roover* - Love (Independent) 25) Co-Op* - III (Independent) 26) LAL* - Dark Being (Coax) 27) Fancy Diamonds* - Shiny Side Out (Independent) 28) Emma Frank* - Come Back (Justin Time) 29) Donovan Woods* - The Other Way (Meant Well) 30) The Party on High Street* - Electric Spinach (Independent)

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SPORTS

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Adam Swanson returns to the pitch after years of recovery TRU Wolfpack welcomes back star player after the uncertainty of injury James Fraser SPORTS EDITOR Ω

Adam Swanson, a fourth-year midfielder for the TRU men’s soccer program, was one of the brightest signings in TRU history. Fresh from the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy, Swanson approached the team attached with high expectations – and he delivered.

Not only did his tactical maneuvers, and quick speed on the field add to the success of the team, but his positive personality radiated powerful energy.

In November 2017, Swanson’s energy beamed when the team won bronze at the U-sports Nationals in front of a Kamloops home crowd. The celebrations commenced but were brought to a screeching halt on Dec.18, 2017.

Only a few months after the bronze victory for TRU, Adam went skiing in Sun Peaks with his friends; a typical Canadian winter day for Swanson.

Unfortunately, circumstances went from laughter to disaster when Swanson attempted to land a

risky trick.

“I knew something was wrong as soon as I fell. My leg just completely snapped,” Swanson recalls, “The first thing I thought was “what have I done?”’, then I saw the bone protruding, and I passed out.”

After a hellish few hours of screams, cries, pain and sorrow, Swanson was finally under surgery and in a hospital bed. When he woke up, the doctor told him that he dislocated his knee in 4 places.

He would not be able to walk again without assistance for months – he most definitely would not be able to run around on the soccer field.

“When the doctor told me I wouldn’t be able to walk, you can just imagine how that felt. I was in absolute distress,” Swanson remembers.

Swanson had to fly home to Vancouver, drop out of school, and return to living with his parents.

His cheerful outlook on life crumbled as he slipped into a dark place, grieving the loss of his favourite sport.

“I left school, I left my friends, and I left the game I loved. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get those things back, it was the lowest point in my life,” Swanson still vividly remembers.

After months of rehab and endless doctor visits, Swanson received good news; he was deemed able to walk and was told that although possible, it was strongly recommended that he refrain from playing soccer. However, the only word that registered from the doctor’s conclusion was ‘possible’.

“Everything changed when the doctor said I might be able to play again. A light re-appeared in my tunnel and I spent the next 12 months every day in the gym doing rehab and working on my knee,” Swanson said, “I didn’t take one day off and I kept telling my coach and teammates that I would be back. It was the hardest thing I've ever done.”

Flash forward to Sept. 1, the season opener of the 2019 season, almost two years since the tragic accident, coach John Antulov gazes down his bench for a substitute, Swanson meets his stare.

John calls him to get warmed up and in the 57th minute, Swanson walks back onto the pitch.

He is met with huge applause from the crowd and his teammates. “Goosebumps. It was a goosebumps moment," Swanson said over laughter, "I wanted to cry. It was such a long journey for me to get back into that position. I

Swanson expressed great joy to be back playing the game he loves. (TRU Athletics) worked so hard. It was emotional.”

Swanson played well and helped TRU seal the draw against the number one ranked UBC Thunderbirds.

“The dark times make you appreciate the light in life,” Swanson insightfully commented when

asked what he learned from this experience.

Come out and support Adam Swanson as he plays in TRU's next home game against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. Kick-off is on Friday, Sept.13, at 7:00 p.m. at Hillside Stadium.

TRU Wolfpack soccer season kicks off for a promising year The Wolfpack anticipates a year of success as they chase the gold medal James Fraser SPORTS EDITOR Ω

After a sizzling summer of birds, bees and beers, the TRU men and women’s soccer teams are back in full swing. The 2018 season earned the men’s team bronze in Canada West. They will be shooting to change that colour of medal this fall. Meanwhile, the women’s team will be fighting to crack playoffs with their new coach Marc Pennington. If you’re not excited, you should be. Here’s what you can expect from your TRU soccer teams.

For the men’s team, the past two years earned the boys back-to-back bronze medals in the Canada West playoffs. Although these results are great for the program, added success brings added expectations.

“The past two years have been great; we are coming into this season ranked number seven in the country,” Captain Jan Piretas beamed with enthusiasm, “I think our bronze is well deserved, however, we don’t need another bronze medal. We want gold. I want that ring on my finger.”

Coach John Antulov had a busy summer signing 14 new players from each corner in Europe such as England, Serbia, Austria, and Romania. “The boys we signed really are fantastic players and definitely add to the core of the team,” reports Antulov.

“First we have to make playoffs.

After that, anything can happen,” Antulov said when asked to predict the season.

At the other end of the field stands the women’s team who merely missed playoffs last year in the final game of the season, as they tied 1-1 to MacEwann University. It was their third season in a row missing playoffs.

These disappointing results were discouraging enough for the former coach Kelly Shantz to be sacked.

Shantz was replaced by Marc Pennington, former assistant coach of the University of British Columbia who also played a professional career in England.

Pennington comments, “There are definitely some talented players here, and some good recruits coming in,” Pennington comments.

“My experience in this division will allow me to change the tactical approach of the team to be more

competitive, ultimately looking for a spot in the playoffs,” Pennington said, “It’s going to take time, but with a shift of team identity and tactical preparation, there is no reason we can’t be a more competitive team in the Canada West Pacific Division.”

Marisa Mendonca, a product of the highly prestigious Penticton Pinnacles soccer club is heading into her fifth and final year at TRU. “I think we will surprise teams this year. We are a new group with a lot of energy, and we are ready to compete. As a fifth-year student, making playoffs this year is a personal goal of mine,” Mendonca said when asked to comment on the upcoming season.

“There is most definitely a little pressure. This being my last season, I really want good results for the program and to leave an impact on the team,” Mendonca commented when asked about the pressure she faces for results this year.

Catch both teams play Friday, Sept. 13 at Hillside Stadium. The women will kick off at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men at 7:30 p.m.

TRU wolfpack will be hosting their "Puppies and Pints" event with a section designated to bring your dog and enjoy a beer.

Danielle Robertson clears the line for TRU (top), Dylan Hooper celebrates his goal against University of Victoria (bottom). (TRU Athletics)

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THE OMEGA

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

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