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Nelson's Ryan Lewis commits to Thompson Rivers University

The Nelson Daily Sports
By The Nelson Daily Sports
February 2nd, 2021

The Thompson Rivers University (TRU) WolfPack has recruited strong midfielder Ryan Lewis for their men’s soccer program.

The Nelson Youth Soccer star said only after being in Kamloops at short time, he’s been impressed with the level of commitment from the guys and coaching staff here considering the circumstances due to COVID.

“ I think it shows the character of the team and I’m looking forward to what we can accomplish once we’re really able to kick things off,” Lewis said on the TRU website.

Men’s Soccer Head Coach John Antulov said the WolfPack are pleased to see Lewis join the program.

“He is another key piece for our group and to keep our team strong over the coming year,” Antulov said.

“He is a big, strong midfielder that is quick, a solid dribbler and likes to attack. He also has good pace and quickness and has the ability to play in multiple positions in the midfield and upfront.” 

Antulov said that Lewis, who follows another Nelsonite to the TRU program, Mitch Popadynetz, has good versatility in his game, which gives the ‘Pack the ability to do different things tactically and will make them hard to play against. 

“It was great working with Brett Adams and Reynold Stewart (Vancouver Whitecaps Kootenay and Caps To College) to help in bringing Ryan to TRU,” said Antulov.

“Ryan was looking at other schools but Brett and Reynold were instrumental in helping convince Ryan that TRU was the best option for his schooling and to play Canada West soccer

Lewis said he started playing soccer around the time he took my first steps, playing for countless hours a day whether it would be on the pitch or in the backyard.

He then moved onto REP and a Whitecaps regional program throughout high school.

After graduating, Lewis played in multiple leagues, the most competitive being Division 1 in Victoria.

“I would say my strongest attributes on the pitch would be my physical strength and speed along with my dribbling,” Lewis explained.

“I have played all over the pitch but generally find myself floating between center midfield and striker.”

Lewis was keen to choose TRU not only for their athletic program but also, their strong academic program for natural resource sciences.

He said, “Overall, TRU offers the education that I am seeking and the sports environment that a team requires to be successful.”

U-Sport, Canadian Universitas athletics, cancelled its 2020 soccer season due to COVID-19.

U-Sport hopes to pick up athletics in the fall of 2021.

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