For the first time in three years, there will be a member of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack on Canada’s Junior National men’s volleyball team.
Second year outside hitter Brad Gunter (Courtenay, BC) was selected to the squad after a five day training camp at the National Training Centre.
Gunter becomes the first WolfPack player to make the squad since Colin Carson (setter, Prince George, BC) did it in 2010.
Brad Gunter vs Alberta (Andrew Snucins photo)
“ I had a sluggish start to the camp,” said Gunter a few hours after being named to the team. “ I had a talk with Pat (Hennelly, head coach of the WolfPack) and settled down and started connecting with balls. I was nervous this morning going into meetings. It’s an awesome feeling to get the chance to represent our country.”
Nic Balazs (Andrew Snucins photo)
The 6’5” outside hitter was one of two Thompson Rivers players attending the tryout camp. The other was 3rd year middle Nick Balazs (Prince George, BC).
WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly (Andrew Snucins photo)
Hennelly was on hand as a guest coach at the try out camp. “ I am proud of both Brad and Nic,” he says. “ Brad was cut last year and used it as motivation in the gym. He had a spike touch of 11’7.5”. That was up four inches from last year. Credit goes to Jenn Joyce (WolfPack strength coach) and Mike Hawkins (TRU assistant coach) who was in charge of the majority of spring training.”
WolfPack assistant coach Mike Hawkins being interviewed by Justine Cleghorn (Andrew Snucins photo)
Thompson Rivers players worked out four times a week and lifted three times a week for the entire month of March and April.
Gunter (right) listens to Hennelly during a time out (Andrew Snucins photo)
Hennelly adds: “ Brad started slow at this camp and really finished strong on the last day. I think Nic was in tough as one of the shortest middles but really had a strong showing ending up in the top half of middles statistically. I was really proud of how Nic did in tryouts with lots of talk and hustle. He served well and worked hard. I think he was hampered a bit by a ham string injury three weeks ago (Although he wouldn’t complain or use it as an excuse).
Gunter with ball in his hand vs Regina (George Wycherley photo)
As for Gunter, the coach says. “Brad was named the top high school player in BC and is now in the top 14 players for his age group in all of Canada. He is really hitting the ball hard and continues to improve. Brad is hard working and humble had has been a great addition to our program. Hopefully he will make his mark with Team Canada.”
Gunter digging (Andrew Snucins photo)
Gunter appeared in 71 sets in 2012-13 with TRU, notching 263 kills, 163 digs,17 solo blocks and 3.99 points—all of which were team highs. He also had 31 block assists and 12 service aces. Gunter’s 3.42 kills per game was 10 th best in the Canada West and his 3.99 points per game was also good enough for 10 th place in the Canada West overall standings.
Gunter with the finger roll vs Alberta (Andrew Snucins photo)
Gunter and the Junior National team will resume training June 24-July 4th in Gatineau before moving to Hamilton, Ontario to finish training until July 12 th. The team will compete in the U-21 Pan Am Cup July 12-20 in Costa Rica.
The rest of the summer will see Team Junior Canada training in Hamilton from July 25 th before leaving for Turkey and the World Junior Championships which go August 22-September 1st.
Gunter goes up for the kill vs Calgary (Andrew Snucins photo)
“I am really looking forward to going to Turkey,” Gunter explains. “ I have never been to Europe or that part of the world.”
Philip Ozari with Denmark Flag (Andrew Snucins photo)
Gunter isn’t the only member of the WolfPack men’s team who will be playing at a higher level this summer. Philip Ozari (1st year, outside hitter, Birkerod, Denmark) is playing on the Danish U-20 team while Jesse Bazergui ( 3rd year, outside hitter, White Rock, BC) will play with Team BC at the Canada Summer Games in Quebec in August.
SIDE OUTS: Team Canada is coached by Dave Preston, the long time head coach of McMaster (OUA). ” Brad is a very talented and physicial player,” he says about Gunter. ” He has a very live arm and was veryimpressive with his power in attacking the ball. He got better and better as the training camp went on-a testiment to his physical capacity.”
Preston says this experience can only help Gunter as a player. ” The experience and opportunities that are now available for Brad could be very productive for him to becoming an international level volleyblal playser. But it won’t be realized without continuous effort and hard work. I think Brad will make the most of what is in front of him and hopefully represent Canada for a long time to come.”