As the TRU Men’s Volleyball Team looks ahead to a new season – and to put a tragic season behind them – there will be a new edition to the coaching staff.

Head Coach Pat Hennelly says Riley Brinnen, one of the survivors of the late November car crash, will be coming back to TRU next year as an assistant coach.

“Riley has committed to coming back and coaching next year which is excellent,” Hennelly said on NL Mornings. “It is something we’ve been working on for a while.”

Hennelly – the reigning U Sports Men’s Volleyball Coach of the year – says he envisions Brinnen being tasked with helping guide four new middle-blockers.

“It was something I was looking for, someone to mentor these younger guys, someone to spend some time with video on them,” Hennelly said, noting Brinnen was a middle-blocker himself.

“I told him this is a real job…That is how I cut my teeth as a young coach. It is great to see video and go over things and clip all the stuff you want to talk about so, he’s going to be in charge of that group.”

Hennelly says Brinnen is expected to leave the GF Strong Rehab facility in Vancouver on Wednesday, where he’s been for the past several weeks.

“He’ll be back with his dad in Coldstream-Vernon,” Hennelly said. “They’ve already outfitted his house.”

“Next steps for him are getting a vehicle and learning how to drive with is hands. He’s got some mobility back. He can stand and walk with crutches and braces and he can push up with one of his legs, so he’s had some really exciting benchmarks over the last month.”

Owen Waterhouse improving

Hennelly also Owen Waterhouse, who was also injured in the crash, is expected to be transferred to the GF Strong Rehab facility in Vancouver at some point, as he works his way back from his injuries.

“I went and visited Owen Waterhouse in Kelowna last Tuesday and he’s still in the hospital,” Hennelly said. “He has improved, and things are moving forward. He can have conservations now and for him, its still the physical and metal and rehabilitation process. ”

“Its two steps forward, one step back [for him] but we’re seeing progress and that’s exciting as well.”

– With files from Paul James