The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack has enjoyed a lot of success in recent years recruiting players out of Courtenay.
But this time, the ‘Pack are bringing in a men’s basketball and not a volleyball player.
Head coach Scott Clark and the ‘Pack have signed their third recruit for the 2016-17 Canada West season in 6’4” forward Noah Kaefer of Mark Isfeld Secondary.
“He is a taller guy who can play away from the basket,” said Clark. “He has good length and is a good athlete. Very skilled.”
Kaefer will be attending Thompson Rivers to take courses aimed at achieving a bachelor of science.
“I thought the campus was quite nice,” he says.
“I really loved the culture that coach Clark has developed in the basketball program and they are a team which is on the rise.”
Kaefer was coached in high school by former University College of the Cariboo women’s head coach Tom Elwood.
“I think my main strength is my shot,” he added, saying that he has played the sport for five years.
“Like most freshmen he needs to understand how hard a season is,” Clark explains. “But we think he has the background in being coached by Tom that he won’t have a difficult time with the work commitments. He has the makings of a good basketball player. ”
Kaefer was a first team all-star at the 2016 BC AAA high school basketball championships.
TRU’s most noted recent connection to the Comox Valley comes from the volleyball program, in the form of star outside hitter Brad Gunter and his sister Carly from the Courtenay area.