Olynyk joins Canada West Hall of Fame

KAMLOOPS – Celebrated athletic director Ken Olynyk received yet another accolade in his illustrious career today when the Canada West conference announced that the former head of the Thompson Rivers University athletic department will be inducted into their hall of fame.

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Joining the UCC Sun Demons in 2003, Olynyk oversaw not just the transition of the department from CCAA to CIS (U SPORTS) competition, but also led the way when the Sun Demons became the WolfPack in 2005-06. During his tenure Olynyk led the department to nine U SPORTS team national championship appearances, including three silver medal and a pair bronze medal performances. Over his time with the WolfPack, over 400 student-athletes earned either PACWEST Academic Excellence or U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian honours. In the community Olynyk pushed the WolfPack to become leaders in both Kamloops and beyond with the athletic department raising countless dollars to support numerous initiatives.
 
“Ken had an amazing career in university sport, and I am thrilled to see him inducted in the Canada West Hall of Fame,” said TRU director of athletics and recreation Curtis Atkinson. “As an administrator and coach, Ken made incredible contributions at the team, school, conference, and national levels.”
 
Known for going above and beyond to support student-athletes, Olynyk was committed to developing not just outstanding athletes on the field of play but successful students that would go on to become leaders in their respective communities across the world.
 
The man at the helm of the department for over 15 years, there can be no doubt that Olynyk left a tremendous impact on Thompson Rivers University, the WolfPack and the greater Kamloops community. With a long-lasting legacy that includes guiding the department through some of the most important years in its history, he laid the foundation for what the WolfPack are today and what they will be for years to come.
 
Prior to joining the WolfPack, Olynyk was a basketball coach with the both the Toronto Varsity Blues and the Lethbridge Pronghorns. Originally from Revelstoke, B.C., Olynyk has paved a path for sport to grow throughout the country.
 
He is the second member of the WolfPack to be inducted into the Canada West Hall of Fame, following behind men’s volleyball standout Gord Perrin.
 
“Above all else, Ken had an immeasurable impact on people by being a quality human being and leaving a legacy wherever he went,” said Atkinson. “We are proud Ken is being recognized in this way and grateful for all that he has done for TRU and university sport.”