Lions Set Sights On Championship Win

Photo Credit Mark Steffens

Given the recent success of all three other pro teams (Warriors, Whitecaps, Canucks) the BC Lions are looking at continuing the winning ways in the City.

This past weekend the BC Lions working along with BC High School Football hosted the Coach’s Playbook Clinic at Centennial High School for a day of training giving back to the “grassroots’ of Amateur Football.

Lions “bench boss” Rick Campbell and staff assisted local Amateur Coaches to better understand various  new techniques and ideas to help them in their respective programs for their Associations.

Giving back to the Amateur level of the game shows leadership from the pro’s to the grassroots and in doing so it’s interesting to note that the BC Lions presented a cheque in the amount of $346,482.83 from their 50/50 proceeds last season. 

Lions’ Director of Community partnerships Jamie Taras mentioned “Supporting all levels of amateur football, the lifeblood of the game in our province, is a major pillar of the Lions brand. We are once again honoured to continue that commitment through our 50/50 program.”

With camp around the corner held again in Kamloops they continued with signing by adding American linebacker Joe Beckett (6 ‘4, 240lb) to the training camp roster who was with the Bombers for 2023 training camp finishing with four tackles in two pre-season action prior to his release on June 3.

Interesting to note that he attended the rookie mini-camp with the NY Giants (2022) following his career at Wofford College. 

There he grabbed 183 total tackles, 14.5 tackles, 6.5 sacks, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Beckett led the Terriers with 80 tackles in his senior season of 2021.

It is interesting to note that the BC Lions Training Camp heads back to the City of Kamloops who along with Sun Peaks Resort are sponsors noting that first-year Lions hit the field for a three-day mini-camp running from May 8th to Friday, May 10th.

This will be followed by the “Vets” reporting to camp May 11 with the first full camp practice the following day.

Lions’ C0-GM/Director of Football operations Neil McEvoy mentioned “The amenities and hospitality given to our club in Kamloops are the best we can ask for. The football team is  thrilled to be kicking off a 14^th straight season in Canada’s Tournament Capital.” 

In addition it’s interesting to know that the Lions officially announce a new and improved FanFest taking place Saturday, May 18th at Hillside entitled Play with the Pros supported by Doman Building Materials, Leavitt Machinery and CARSTAR Collision and Glass Service.

Kids aged 6-13 can register HERE that all starts at 8:00 am with the activities running from 9:00-11:00 am which is followed by a full Lions scrimmage from 1:00-3:15 pm.

FanFest moves to the City centre at 4:00 pm for a street festival that will feature both live music and a DJ plus food, beverages, bouncy castles and face-painting!

Lions’ president Duane Vienneau mentioned “FanFest is a highly-anticipated event on our calendar for both members of our organization and our outstanding fans themselves. We are excited to expand the tradition this season and beyond, giving our great fans the opportunity to also enjoy some activities in beautiful downtown Kamloops.” 

There is a pre-season opener at the Stampeders (May 25th) that will see the Lions return to Hillside for four days of practice just prior to the pre-season finale at BC Place May 31 against Edmonton.