For two members of the UNBC Timberwolves men's soccer team Sunday marked the final time they'll ever play on their home field.
Defender Scott DeBianchi and keeper Kyle Flannagon, along with women's midfielder/defender Andrea Bertulli, became the first graduates of the five-year old UNBC athletics program.
Sonny Pawar, UNBC men's coach, said he'll miss working with his two graduates.
"I feel very fortunate to be able to work with both of them," said Pawar. "They bring so much to the program, not only in their ability, but with their leadership, their class and their integrity and the way that they carry themselves is a real credit to our program. We were lucky to have them."
DeBianchi, the T-wolves captain, spent the past five seasons balancing school, work and soccer, while Flannagon joined UNBC four years ago after a brief stint at Grande Prairie College.
"It was nice to move [back] to P.G. - not as much snow," said the 22-year-old graduate of D.P. Todd.
"It's been the time of my life," said Flannagon. "I love playing with the guys. I love Sonny, he's been an awesome coach. I'll be friends for life with all these guys. It's going to suck not playing next year. I guess that's part of life; you've got to grow up, move on and get rid of the university dream."
Both DeBianchi and Flannagon studied business commerce at UNBC, with the captain majoring in finance and the keeper in marketing.
Flannagon recalled how the T-wolves struggled in his first season with them, finishing at the bottom of the standings only to rebound in the last couple of seasons to where they were provincial runner up to Vancouver Island University.
"We came from a bottom of the league team all the way to the top of the league," he said. "I think it will keep improving, especially with the step to CIS next year. It's going to be a big step and it's going to take a couple more years of the rebuilding process, but it's going to [be successful]."
DeBianchi echoed his teammate's views about playing for the T-wolves.
"I wouldn't have changed anything that happened," said DeBianchi. "It's been a good group of guys for the whole five years. I love playing for this team."
The weekend road trips were especially fun for DeBianchi since his fiance, Bertulli, was along for the ride with the women's team.
"We've had a good time," he said. "Getting away for every weekend is really fun, but it's been really busy with school, soccer, work, everything."
