By Ethan Ready

Run as One

Timberwolves to reunite in team practices following viaSport’s changes to age restrictions

Jan 12, 2021 | 5:37 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Much like all local sports, it hasn’t been an easy go for the UNBC Timberwolves the past year.

But with the changes by viaSport on the age restrictions on group practices, the Timberwolves’ four varsity sports teams are finally able to bring their athletes together as a team once again.

“We had an opportunity when the restrictions came in, which really limited us with the age of our athletes, to then go to viaSport and proposed to them to get a varsity sport classification,” said Loralyn Murdoch, UNBC’s Athletic Director. “We worked very hard as Athletic Directors across the province to get some wording in place.”

Murdoch admits the process was actually fairly smooth, which has since allowed for UNBC and other universities to have their athletes back training because of that varsity sport classification.

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However, the Timberwolves remain a bit removed from complete team activities with their athletes currently training in cohorts since returning to campus following the winter break.

“The coaches have really changed their focus from a team dynamic to an individual skill dynamic with the ability to still have the team members on the same court,” explained Murdoch. “Eventually, within the next five to 10 days, we will have all of our team members on the same court but they still have to maintain that spacing.

A pilot project allowing for close-proximity teams to compete in exhibition play has been placed on hold for the time being, with the hope that as restrictions get lifted they will be able to get some game action prior to the end of the semester in April.