With the start of main training camp just over a month away, the Okanagan Sun have signed three more players for the 2013 BCFC season.
Matt McConnel, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound safety comes from the Chilliwack Giants midget program. McConnel is a fiery and physical safety who should fit in nicely to head coach Shane Beatty’s American style of football. He would make five interceptions last year as a Giant to lead the club.
“I think it’s a beautiful place and I love the coach there, he’s a really good coach and it suits me well,” McConnel said. “With all the team members, I really fit in well there…I took some time think about it and think about what’s best for me and best for my future. I thought if I come to Kelowna, Coach Beatty has some good connections so that’s what really made me think about coming.”
Also signing is defensive tackle Manu Eli from Medicine Hat. Known for his power at 5-foot-9, 260 pounds, Eli has travelled an interesting road to the Sun.
Eli, who has a very strong faith, has been on his Mission after graduating from McCoy Catholic High School in Medicine Hat two years ago. He was in Singapore and Asia with his outreach in Burma and Cambodia teaching youth and the communities the Gospel.
Originally recruited out of high school by the Sun, Eli says there was only one place he wanted to play after his Mission. “I use to live in Kelowna so if I was going to go anywhere I wanted to go back there. It feels a bit more homie. The community (Kelowna) was always nice when I lived there, I love it, and it’s beautiful. I really like the staff and the coaches, I really felt welcomed.”
The third signee is running back/receiver Deion Bain, another product of the Chilliwack Giants midget program.
Bain was in Kelowna for spring camp and was impressed with the offense head Coach Shane Beatty has developed.
“It’s a real speed based offense, which I really like. I just liked how everyone was hard hitting, it was really good.”
In 2012, Bain was recruited by the University of Saskatchewan out of W.J. Mouat in Abbotsford, a year after Sun quarterback Cam Bedore graduated.
The Sun opens main camp on July 5, with the 2013 season opener at home on July 27 against the Valley Huskers at the Apple Bowl.
