KABONGO RETIRES

BC Lions O-Lineman Patrick Kabongo made it official by announcing his retirement this past week, ending his nine-year (9) career in the Canadian Football League.

He appeared in 33 regular-season games after joining the Lions in 2012 after seven full seasons with the Edmonton Eskimo’s.

“Patrick was a big personality on and off the field and we are grateful to have had him be part of our organization for two years,” Lions general manager Wally Buono said in a press release. “We wish him and his family the very best in the future.”

Kabongo was a West Division all-star in 2008, played 121 games for the Eskimos during his time in the city.

The Lions also released defensive lineman Adrian Awasom last Thursday.

Back-Up Not A Term Wally Likes:

Wally Buono doesn’t like the term “backup quarterback” when describing one of his newest acquisitions they recently made.

Lions’ GM/VP of football operations made a splash at Tuesday’s CFL draft, acquiring disgruntled pivot Kevin Glenn from the Ottawa Redblacks for the fifth overall pick.

The move is significant not only when taking into account Glenn’s past success in the CFL, but also because Lions starting quarterback Travis Lulay is coming off surgery to his throwing shoulder.

Glenn, who spent the last two seasons with the Calgary Stampeders, was selected by Ottawa in the expansion draft to stock the league’s ninth franchise, but became available after the Redblacks signed Henry Burris to a three-year contract following his release by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Lulay missed six games at the end of the 2013 season after damaging his labrum in September, but returned to play in the Lions’ West Division semi-final loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

B.C. head coach Mike Benevides said he expects Lulay to be ready when training camp opens June 1, but added that his No. 1 quarterback is still not 100 per cent.

The Lions were in need of a capable secondary option under centre after Thomas DeMarco was selected by Ottawa in the expansion draft and Buck Pierce retired to become an assistant coach with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The club has former NFLer John Beck on the roster, as well as Chris Hart, who was with B.C. last season but saw no playing time.

Buono said the addition of Glenn will allow Lulay more time to heal if need be ahead of the Lions’ first regular-season game.

Glenn said after Tuesday’s trade that he was excited for a fresh start with the Lions. The 34-year-old guided Calgary to a Grey Cup berth in 2012 and a CFL-best 14-4 record last year before getting scooped up by the Redblacks.

The Lions won the Grey Cup at BC Place in 2011 and again host the Grey Cup in November, but Buono stressed the move for Glenn isn’t a move with that showcase in mind, but more about getting the best product on the field.