–Thompson Rivers University
Kamloops, BC—Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer coach John Antulov is looking to build a feared back line. The WolfPack took another step in that direction with the announcement that Adam Swanson of Sutherland Secondary of North Vancouver, BC has committed to the program starting in the fall.
The 6’1” Swanson plays both center and outside back. He is currently a member of Mountain United F.C.
“The organization is by far the most professional out of any of the other schools I visited,” said Swanson, who will be taking courses aimed at earning a Bachelor of Science at Thompson Rivers. “Coach Antulov is setting up for the future. He is very knowledgeable about the game and knows what kind of players he needs to achieve the ultimate title of National Champions. The City of Kamloops is also very beautiful and the community is well behind the soccer program. It will be nice to get some results for an amazing fan-base and to give back to the City for what they have given to the team.”
“Adam has been on my radar since November and I approached both him and his teammate Olamide Ajibike in February,” said Antulov. “Adam is a versatile defender that can play anywhere along the backline. He is an intense player that plays with an edge. He is very vocal on the field and I can see him being a leader on the field. He also has good technical ability to be able to play out of the back and bring some quality passes forward.”
Antulov adds that Swanson’s experience with the Whitecaps residency program and BC Soccer has given him experience at playing in high intensity, high level situations.
“I think I can keep calm and composed when distributing the ball,” Swanson adds. “ I also enjoy physical battles with opponents and have a strong desire to win.”
Swanson’s high school team won the BC “AAA” championship in 2013 and were silver medalists last year. He was in the Whitecaps residency program from 2007-09 and a Western Canada All-star in 2010.
As he approaches a new chapter in his life—university, CIS soccer and living on his own—Swanson says. “It will be exciting to join a new team and start a new adventure.”
Swanson and Ajibike both took a tour of TRU and Kamloops in May and both committed to the WolfPack at the same time. “It will be fun to play with him,” said Swanson about Ajibike. “But I would be coming to TRU anyway. Having a friend like Ola along will make the transition easier.”
Both have been coached this year and when they were on the U-13 BC provincial team by Darren Rath. Rath is a longtime PACWEST and provincial coach. “ Adam is a fearless tackler and strong in the air. He enjoys joining the attack and has the ability to score goals from a distance when he pushes forward from his defensive position. He will bring grit and competitiveness. I believe this is a great opportunity for both Ola and Adam to continue their education and play soccer at the university level. TRU is an excellent school and John Antulov is an excellent coach.”
Swanson and Adjibike play against fellow WolfPack recruit Parker Denton (Coquitlam, BC/Dr Charles Best Secondary-Surrey United) in the PCSL high performance league. Swanson is looking forward to being his teammate for five years as well.
Other recruits for this coming year are: Mitchell Popadynetz (5’10”, midfield-forward, Nelson, BC/Maple Ridge Secondary-UBC) Nolan DeRosa (5’6” midfield, Trail, BC-J.L Crowe Secondary-Kootenay Whitecaps Academy) and Haris Djelmo (6’2”, midfield, Kamloops, BC-Sahali Secondary/KYSA U-18 Rep).
The WolfPack begin their 2015 training camp in early August.
THROW IN’S—Swanson on why he plays soccer: “I have always enjoyed playing the beautiful game because it is so unpredictable and fast paced. It is a team sport that requires everyone’s focus week in and week out. When you love something, sometimes you forget you aren’t just playing for yourself but for your teammates, coaches, school and family. It can be serious at times, however it is most importantly fun.”
His brother Matthew is an 800 meter and 4×400 meter runner at Washington State University (NCAA Division I).