BC Lions return to Kamloops for training camp, fan events

KAMLOOPS — The BC Lions training camp made its way back to Kamloops this week with the famous Fan Fest adding to the camp on May 21.

All CFL fans are looking forward to a more normal season and with the BC Lions training camp underway — the rookies are looking forward to having fans back in the stands.

The Lions’ third overall selection in this year’s draft, Canadian defensive lineman Nathan Cherry, says the energy in camp is nothing he’s felt before.

“It’s a great experience. It’s a dream come true ever since I was a little child kind of dreaming of these moments of being out here with everyone during training camp just got to take it day-by-day and inch closer towards the season and get ready to go.”

Rookie Camp concludes on Friday with the veterans reporting on Saturday.

Not every rookie will advance but Cherry will join the main camp roster that also includes Canadian offensive lineman Matt Guevremont. He says the development seen on the field is vital as the season is right around the corner.

“I think the benefit is huge because once the vets come in those installs are quick. The stuff that we’re doing in these first couple days you might do in one day when the vets get here in regular training camp so having that little bit extra to feel things out even for me having that familiarity with the offense, it gives you confidence going in for when the vets get here.”

As coaches have tough decisions to make and nearly 40 players to cut, head coach Rick Campbell says competition is fierce.

“It’s fun to watch these guys come in because they were really good university players but now they’re on to another level. That’s why this rookie camp is so important. It gives them three days to get acclimated and learn the playbook and do those things so that, when the rest of the guys come in, they have a better chance to compete.”

Cherry added to Campbell’s point, saying, “Everyone here is good. There’s no bad players here so it’s challenging. But it’s just going to get better day by day and get used to it as we go.”

Members of the public can watch the team scrimmage. The popular Lions Fan Fest returns to Hillside Stadium on May 21 and kids aged six to 12 can take part in the team’s Play with The Pros clinic.

More information can be found at BCLions/trainingcamp.