Photo courtesy UNBC Timberwolves
WALL OF HONOUR

Soccer legend 2nd to be inducted into UNBC Wall of Honour

Feb 23, 2021 | 9:21 AM

PRINCE GEORGE – The Timberwolves have announced their second induction into the Wall of Honour, a UNBC Soccer trailblazer Tofa Fakunle.

Fakunle arrived at UNBC when the soccer program was just starting to get underway, he says he takes no credit for where the program is today.

“I am just so grateful to be honoured on the wall,” says Fakunle. “Being one of 15 named to the wall of honour for an athletics program that has been going on for 23 years is very special, I was shocked when I found out.”

UNBC says it’s impossible to tell the story of Men’s Soccer at the university without talking about Fakunle, calling him one of the most beloved athletes in TWolves history.

Fakunle’s evolution as a player and a leader helped him rewrite the UNBC record books, while elevating the perception of Timberwolves soccer across the conference.

Fakunle says one of his favourite memories was making the playoffs for the first time in Men’s Soccer history.

“I still remember being in Alex Stewart’s basement when we got the news,” says Fakunle.

‘The Captain” left behind a legacy of competitiveness and passion, and made him an obvious choice for the Timberwolves Wall of Honour.

Originally recruited to UNBC by then-coach Alan Alderson, Fakunle arrived in Prince George in 2013 with tremendous expectations.

He had been highly recruited by a number of the major programs in the conference but decided Northern British Columbia was the place for him to compete at the university level.

Fakunle had previously impressed Alderson as a member of the Alberta U16 Provincial team, with his unapologetic commitment and approach to the game.

“I just want to thank all of those involved for this great honour of being on the wall, and I thank all of those involved with the program,” says Fakunle.

In his freshman season, the diminutive dynamo led the Timberwolves in goals and points, earning the program’s Golden Boot Award and UNBC Male Rookie of the Year Award.

The following year, in 2014-2015, Fakunle again paced the TWolves in points, leading the program to a record-high in wins and points, as the team took a major step forward.

Tofa Fakunle concluded his career as the Timberwolves all-time leader in goals, assists, points, shots, and game-winning goals, while sitting top-five in games played and starts. He also held single-season marks for shots, goals, assists, and points.

According to Simonson, his team’s captain had become synonymous with all things UNBC Soccer.