Scott Clark named Thompson Rivers WolfPack head coach

Kamloops, BC—The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack are pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Clark as their new head men’s basketball Coach.   Clark joins the WolfPack program as the team’s second head coach in their 5 year Canada West History.

Clark is leaving the Simon Fraser University Clan after spending 15 years at the helm of their men’s program, making the playoffs each of the last 10 years.

“This is a great opportunity,” says Clark, who is moving closer to his parents and friends in Kelowna, BC.  “ I’m eager to lay a foundation on a program which has improved, but not had a great deal of success at the CIS level.”

Clark describes himself as a coach who is demanding but fair.  “ I give the players a lot of responsibility but with that comes a lot of expectations.  I have high expectations of myself as well.  It’s a challenge for both of us to live up to them.”

“ I’m looking forward to creating a culture which stresses hard work,” he stated.  “ Winning is a by product of that hard work.  We’ll have some challenges initially, but after you do that the winning will come.”   Clark is looking forward to becoming entrenched in the community and having them support WolfPack basketball.  “ Working in a smaller community will not only bring the players closer to what’s going on here, but visa versa.  I think it’s a really good situation here in Kamloops and will make TRU attractive not only as a program but as a destination for potential players to get an education.”

“Scott has all the necessary qualifications to make our program successful in terms of education and experience.,” explained Athletic Director Ken Olynyk.  “ He holds a Masters Degree in Coaching. He attended the National Coaching Institute in Victoria and has been a CIS coach for 15 years.  I think that we looked at someone who has done a very good job over a period of time and is still young (43) in terms of coaching.  He will be a nice fit with what we are trying to achieve at TRU.”

Olynyk said there were a number of quality candidates wanting the position with the WolfPack.  “ With someone of Scott’s qualifications, we have the chance to become a basketball power and enjoy success like we have in many other sports.  I see this as an opportunity for a coach to build a great program.  I think Scott saw that.”

“I am excited that Scott is joining us,” Olynyk adds.  “ That was one of the key factors in his hiring as well. We wanted someone who was going to be passionate about being here and extending the reputation of TRU being a great place to be.”

He adds that the acquisition of Scott Clark will create some waves among the Canadian Basketball community. “ I think that his decision to coming here will show people that we want to build a program that student athletes, can be proud of and they will say they had a great experience while at TRU”. Clark admits that he’ll be getting into the recruiting game a little late for this coming season. “ We will have to get out there and contact people and visa versa.  The WolfPack had three graduating seniors who were vital to their team. There are holes to fill, but I am confident that we can find some replacements at the same time work with the current players to make them better.”

He will be moving to Kamloops with his oldest son Brett, who will be attending TRU as a first year student.  His wife Carla and son Cole (17) will remain in Langley until he graduates from high school in 2010-11.

With Simon Fraser, Clark was 113-96 over the last decade. In 2009-10, the Clan were 14 and 4 during the regular season and 2 and 3 during the playoffs.

He takes over the WolfPack program from Thom Gillespie, who was the interim head coach for the past two seasons.

“TRU WolfPack Athletics would like to thank Thom for his efforts over the last two years,” Olynyk added.  “ We wish him well.”

Source:

Thompson Rivers Sports Info