By CJFL Media, 05/14/25, 3:45PM PDT
The defending BC Conference champion Okanagan Sun held their spring camp last week as the coaching staff got a chance to see their new recruits for the first time.
Last season the Sun fell one-win shy of their ultimate goal and are hopeful to get back to the Canadian Bowl again this season. The BC Conference winner hosts the CJFL National Semi-Final game at the end of October and the Sun want to be in that game. They have not hosted a national game in over 20 years at the storied Apple Bowl.
Head coach Travis Miller is back to lead the Sun and will be searching for new players to fill the cleats of the graduates from last season including running back Elelyon Noa. Miller says one of the units that could fill the scoring of Noa comes from the depth of the receivers “One of the biggest standouts from camp was our receiver group. Between returning players and new additions, the depth, explosiveness, and polish made it one of the most competitive groups we’ve had in years. Every rep was contested, and the energy in that room elevated the entire offence.”
Like most seasons in Kelowna, veteran leadership will be a massive piece to puzzle. Year after year the Sun are able to return players for their fourth and fifth years, a true testament to the quality of the Sun organization. “Our returning players clearly put in the work this offseason,” says Miller. “You could see it in their strength, confidence, and attention to detail. That mindset set the tone for the entire group. The compete level across the board was outstanding — veterans and rookies alike came in hungry and ready to earn their spot.”
Speaking of rookies, Miller says their youth brought in some refreshing energy to camp, something the coaching staff fed off of, “Our rookie class brought a ton of excitement to camp. They came in sharp, prepared, and with a level of athleticism and football IQ that really stood out. It’s refreshing to bring in a young group that raises the standard right away, and this class has the potential to make an impact sooner than later.”
This organization is celebrating their 45th anniversary season this year and once again expectations are high in Kelowna. They will continue their workouts in preparation for main camp coming up in a couple of weeks before opening the new season on Saturday July 19th when they visit the Langley Rams.
Photo courtesy of @_in_motion__photography
Published by Loomly
The Okanagan Sun would like to announce the addition of Jordan McCarty to the coaching staff! (@jordan1mccarty)
"Im incredibly excited to welcome Jordan McCarty to The Okanagan Sun coaching staff. His experience and leadership as a former head coach will be invaluable in helping our offense reach new heights. We look forward to the positive impact he'll have on our team this season" - Head Coach, Travis Miller (@travis_miller92)
Jordan joins the Sun as the Offensive Assistant Coach.
Welcome Jordan!
Powered By: Kelowna Chevrolet
Artwork and Graphic: Undrdog Media
Jordan McCarty Photo: In Motion Sports Photography
May 6, 2025
The quest for another trip to a National Junior Championship begins on Friday as the Okanagan Sun embark on their 45th season.
There will be an abundance of young football talent invading the Apple Bowl this weekend, as the defending BCFC Champion Sun host their annual Spring Camp, May 9, 10, 11.
This year will mark the 4th Spring Camp for Travis Miller as Head Coach, who has attended every early season camp since 2005, short of two.
The Sun are expecting in the neighbourhood of 120 players, possibly more, if everyone who has shown interest, shows up for the 3-day camp.
Due to the closure of the Parkinson Rec. fields, the camp will be held on the East Field, corner of Bernard and Spall, access is from the rear parking lot.
Over the weekend, Saturday & Sunday, members of the Sun Board of Directors will host a pancake breakfast from 8-11:00 AM. Following the delicious griddle cakes, there will be BBQ’d hamburgers and hotdogs, French fries and savoury corn-on-the-cob!
All food is available by donation with funds going to the Okanagan Sun Football Club.
If you have bags upon bags of cans, bottles, anything returnable, collecting in the garage or basement, bring them on down to the Apple Bowl as the Sun is also hosting a “Bottle/Can Drive”.
As there will be many players to keep an eye on at this year’s camp, there are three Kelowna area born players who will be attending their first Okanagan Sun camp that Coach Miller and his staff are keen on.
Spring Camp Itinerary
Thursday, May 8 (In town players)
4:30 PM – Registration Opens
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM – Practice (Helmets)
Evening Signing Event for committed players
Friday, May 9 - Day 1
2:30 PM – Registration Opens
4:30 PM – Team Meeting (Apple Bowl Stands)
5:30 PM – Practice #1 (Helmets & Shoulder Pads)
7:30 PM – Practice Ends
Saturday, May 10 - Day 2
8:00 AM – Taping Begins
9:15 AM – Team Meeting
10:00 AM – Practice #2 (Full Pads)
12:15 PM – Lunch Break
2:00 PM – Practice #3 (Uppers)
4:15 PM – End of Practice
Sunday, May 11 - Day 3
8:00 AM – Taping Begins
9:15 AM – Team Meeting
10:00 AM – Walkthrough (Helmets)
11:30 AM – Break
1:00 PM – Scrimmage (Full Pads)
3:30 PM – Camp Wrap-Up
4:00 PM – Team BBQ (Players & Coaches Only)
SPRING CAMP is around the corner. May 9-11, 2025
Click the link to register!
https://forms.gle/ZQ7xmo8JXgUpqUyB6
Powered By: Kelowna Chevrolet
Graphic Design: Undrdog Media
Liam Kroeger Photo: In Motion Sports Photography
2025 Regular Season Schedule
Published by Loomly
Powered By: @kelownachevrolet
Photos & Artwork: @undrdogmediainc
Published by Loomly·
With a strong recruiting class, the team is in need of housing for many out of town players for the 2025 Season!
If you, or someone you know could use an extra $700/month (per player) please reach out to our housing coordinator Sherysse!
Email: housing@okanagansun.ca
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Artwork and Photo: Undrdog Media
Published by Loomly
The Okanagan Sun are pleased to announce the commitment of Ethan Hodgins (@ethan__hodgins)
Name: Ethan Hodgins (@ethan__hodgins)
Position: Offensive Line
Hometown: Strathroy, ONT
Highschool: St. Thomas Aquinas SS
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Artwork: Undrdog Media
Published by Loomly
The Okanagan Sun are pleased to announce the commitment of Covan Stachowiak (@covan_stachowiak)
Name: Covan Stachowiak (@covan_stachowiak)
Position: Slot Receiver
Hometown: London, ONT
High School: Sir Fredrick Banting Secondary School
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Artwork: Undrdog Media
Travis Miller & Elelyon Noa Finalists in
Kelowna Civic and Community Awards
April 1, 2025
Okanagan Sun Head Coach Travis Miller and former RB Elelyon Noa are in the running for awards for the 50th Edition of the Kelowna Civic and Community Awards.
Coach Miller is one of three finalists for the Bob Giordano Memorial Award, and former running back Elelyon Noa is a finalist in the Male Athlete of the Year category.
The winners will be announced at the gala awards banquet at the Delta Grand Hotel on Thursday May 8th.
Miller is preparing for his 4th season as the head coach for the Okanagan Sun Football Club, he also serves as General Manager. Since taking over the top job in 2022, Miller’s record has been impressive to say the least.
In three seasons under Miller’s guidance, the Sun won a Canadian Junior Football Championship in 2022 with an unblemished 14 – 0 record. In 2023 the Sun posted a 9 and 2 record, and last season the club captured their second BCFC Championship in three years and a second trip to the National Junior final in Windsor, ON, losing to the St. Claire Saints.
Head Coach Travis Miller has compiled a record of 36 wins, 3 losses, 3 straight BCFC Championship appearances with two victories, and two CJFL Championship games with a National title in 2022. He was also named BCFC Coach of the Year in ’22 and ’24.
Running Back Elelyon Noa arrived in Kelowna midway thru the ’23 Okanagan Sun BCFC season and quickly showed fans what the future looked like. The following year Noa was a one man hi-lite reel. He broke a single season BCFC rushing record from 2016 with a total 1,612 yards, and 23 touchdowns. Noa was awarded the BCFC Outstanding Offensive Back and Outstanding Offensive Player honours last season.
For interview/comments, please contact Head Coach Travis Miller via TEXT at C.780.876.4098
Published by Loomly
With our final LOI for 2025, The Okanagan Sun are very excited to announce the addition of JaQuintis Summers
Name: JaQuintis Summers
Position: Defensive Line
Hometown: Prichard, Alabama
Previous Team: Lane College (@laneathletics)
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Artwork: Undrdog Media
Published by Loomly
The Okanagan Sun are pleased to announce the commitment of Shawn Basran (@shawnbasran64)
Name: Shawn Basran (@shawnbasran64)
Position: Offensive Line
Hometown: Kelowna, B.C.
High School: Mount Boucherie Senior Secondary (@mbss.football)
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Photo's & Artwork: Undrdog Media
Published by Loomly
The Okanagan Sun are excited to announce the return of Tariq Brown (@tariqbrown_)
“His veteran leadership and athleticism is going to be a big addition for our secondary” - Head Coach Travis Miller (@travis_miller92)
Welcome back Tariq!
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Photo and Artwork: Undrdog Media
Published by Loomly
The Okanagan Sun are very excited to announce the addition of Isaiah Ricketts (@iamisaiahricketts)
Name: Isaiah Ricketts (@iamisaiahricketts)
Position: Defensive Back
Hometown: Mississauga, ONT
Previous Team: Waterloo University (@wlooftb)
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Artwork: Undrdog Media
Published by Loomly
The Okanagan Sun are very excited to announce the addition of DeAndre La-Lowe (@deandrelalowe)
Name: DeAndre La-Lowe (@deandrelalowe)
Position: Defensive Back
Hometown: Shelburne, ONT
Previous Team: Waterloo University (@wlooftb)
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Artwork: Undrdog Media
Sarah Britton
Thanks to all who sent messages, texts, calls and thoughts for dad. I did read everything to dad before he passed.
His celebration of life has now been set for Friday March 14th @ 11:00 am at Trinity Baptist.
We will also be live streaming. Link will be posted as soon
Sheila (Mom) has also asked that everyone share a memory they have of dad on memory cards that will be provided. So consider this your warning and time to think of a good one!
The Okanagan Sun are very excited to announce the addition of Elijah Hartley (@elijahartley)
Name: Elijah Hartley (@elijahartley)
Position: Receiver
Hometown: Ajax, Ontario
Previous Team: Western University (@westernufootball)
Published by Loomly
Powered By: Kelowna Chevrolet
Artwork: Undrdog Media
Story Wayne Moore Castanet
Photo Kelowna Fire Department
The Okanagan Sun and Kelowna Fire Department are mourning the loss of Terry Britton, who passed away Thursday morning.
He was 76.
Britton passed away after a short battle with leukemia. In a social media post, the Kelowna Fire Department praised Britton, a retired fire captain, as a dedicated firefighter, mentor and community leader. “Terry served over 30 years with the Kelowna Fire Department, and even after retiring, his commitment to the KFD never waned,” the Facebook post stated.
“He played a vital role in establishing the KFD honour guard, dedicating countless hours to training, mentoring new recruits and upholding the traditions of our profession.
“His kindness, leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Britton also spent more than 40 years as a trainer with the Okanagan Sun.
He joined the team in its inaugural season in 1981 and, while team president Nat Nagy says he retired on several occasions, he could always be found taping players at home games.
“The thing about Terry was how nice he was to everybody,” said Nagy.
“I was a waterboy in the 80’s and as a child volunteering then all the way up to seeing him last year when I was president of the team, he didn’t treat me any different.
“He treated everybody the same. He was one of those few guys that no matter who you talk to, it’s the exact same story.”
Along with his work with the KFD and the Sun, Britton also served on the Big White ski patrol, giving of his time to help others.
“Our deepest condolences to his wife Sheila and the Britton family and friends,” the Facebook post concluded.
“Terry’s presence will be deeply missed but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he inspired.
“Rest easy captain. We’ll take it from here.”
Story Wayne Moore Castanet
Photo Kelowna Fire Department
The Okanagan Sun and Kelowna Fire Department are mourning the loss of Terry Britton, who passed away Thursday morning.
He was 79.
Britton passed away after a short battle with leukemia. In a social media post, the Kelowna Fire Department praised Britton, a retired fire captain, as a dedicated firefighter, mentor and community leader. “Terry served over 30 years with the Kelowna Fire Department, and even after retiring, his commitment to the KFD never waned,” the Facebook post stated.
“He played a vital role in establishing the KFD honour guard, dedicating countless hours to training, mentoring new recruits and upholding the traditions of our profession.
“His kindness, leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Britton also spent more than 40 years as a trainer with the Okanagan Sun.
He joined the team in its inaugural season in 1981 and, while team president Nat Nagy says he retired on several occasions, he could always be found taping players at home games.
“The thing about Terry was how nice he was to everybody,” said Nagy.
“I was a waterboy in the 80’s and as a child volunteering then all the way up to seeing him last year when I was president of the team, he didn’t treat me any different.
“He treated everybody the same. He was one of those few guys that no matter who you talk to, it’s the exact same story.”
Along with his work with the KFD and the Sun, Britton also served on the Big White ski patrol, giving of his time to help others.
“Our deepest condolences to his wife Sheila and the Britton family and friends,” the Facebook post concluded.
“Terry’s presence will be deeply missed but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he inspired.
“Rest easy captain. We’ll take it from here.”
From Jay Christensen
Terry Britton
I just left KGH and am heartbroken to update you all the Terry was just diagnosed with aggressive leukaemia. He is limiting visitors at this time to just family members and close friends. Sadly, he has days to weeks remaining. More information will come out in the days ahead. Sheila, Sarah, David and their family have requested privacy at this difficult time. Please keep them in your prayers, and know that Terry feels the entire Sun nation is with him.
Jay
The Okanagan Sun Football Club have added to their defensive line with the #LOI signing of Kevin Kennedy. Welcome Kevin!T
The Okanagan Sun Football Club have #LOI signed defensive lineman Jack Fishman for the 2025 season. Welcome Jack!
The Okanagan Sun Football Club sign their first #LOI for the 2025 season with the signing of running back Gerren Hardisty. Welcome (back) to the BCFC Gerren!
The Okanagan Sun Football Club have #LOI signed offensive lineman Mitch Murphy for the 2025 season. Welcome Mitch!
The Okanagan Sun are proud to announce the signing of Elelyon Noa with the @bclions_official
Noa added 23 touchdowns and broke the single season rushing yards record (1,612yards) this year while taking home BCFC Outstanding Offensive Back and Outstanding Offensive Player honours.
Published by Loomly
Photo courtesy @in_motion_sports_photography
His vision is clear: make Kelowna the top junior football destination in Canada.
From ball boy, to Offensive Coordinator, Board Member to General Manager and now President, Nat Nagy has helped lead the Okanagan Sun with unmatched dedication and vision. In the last four years, Nat has helped guide us to two National Championships games (2022, 2024), has secured an overall record of 44-4 record, with 4 BCFC Championship appearances, and 2 Cullen Cup titles.
Nat’s commitment has been instrumental in creating partnerships like the Burn Fund Game, where, alongside The Stober Group and the BC Burn Fund, we’ve helped raise over $100k for fire victims in three years.
As we head into this year’s national championship game on Saturday, we’re grateful to have such an incredible leader driving our program forward.
Thank you, Nat, for your unwavering dedication, passion and commitment to excellence as you continue to set the bar higher every season.
Story Courtesy Eric Stansfield
Odds are good if you’re a Canadian football fan you’ve heard of the Grey Cup trophy and know of its legacy…what you probably don’t know, is that the Grey Cup has an older brother, the Canadian Bowl.
Awarded to the junior football league team that wins the national title, the Canadian Bowl is in fact one year older than the Grey Cup.
In 1909, The Earl Grey commissioned a trophy, the Grey Cup, to be given to the winner of the Canadian Dominion Football Championship, the country’s national title game.
The Canadian Bowl, only 365 days older than its little brother Grey, it is in fact the oldest football trophy awarded in North America.
The first junior championship game was played in 1908 in Montreal, when the Parkland Canoe Club of Toronto defeated the Lindsay Jrs. 22-0.
Though the championship tradition has continued for 115 years, the name of the trophy has evolved over time. From 1925 to 1975 it was known as the Leader Post trophy, from 1976 to 1988, the national championship trophy was the Armadale Cup. 1989 marked the beginning of CJFL Championship being known as the Canadian Bowl.
The Okanagan Sun who face the St. Clair Saints on Saturday, will be making their 10th appearance in the national final. The Sun have won three Canadian Bowls, 1988, 2000, and 2022.
Before becoming the St. Clair Saints, the organization was known as the Windsor AKO Fratmen who had competed in Canadian junior football since 1945. The Fratmen went to the final on eight occasions, winning three times, the last coming in 1999 with a 32-29 win over the Sun.
The Sun franchise and the city of Kelowna, BC, has hosted the Canadian Bowl three times, the first in 1984, followed by 1997, and 2000. The ’97 game, which featured the hometown Sun vs the Regina Rams, is the only national championship to be decided by overtime, 23-20 Rams.
This weekend the oldest championship in Canadian football will be played out in the 115th edition of the Canadian Bowl. It’s the BCFC Champion Okanagan Sun vs the OFC Champion St. Clair Saints on Saturday November 9th, kick-off at 7:00 PM (EST), 4:00 PM (PST) at Acumen Stadium in Windsor, ON.
Okanagan Sun head coach Travis Miller has been named the 2024 coach of the year in the British Columbia Football Conference (BCFC).
"I don't really treat it as a 'coach of the year' award, we look at it as a organizational award," Miller told Black Press Media. "I think it's paramount that our success is based off of not just myself but the entire coaching staff we have and our board of directors as well as our volunteers and obviously the players. As much as my name is on it, it's more of a reflection of the mass amount of people that have effort in the organization."
This is the second time in his three seasons at the helm that he's won the award.
As a group, we have a standard that's very difficult for anybody to achieve, outside perfection, it's the standard we set," said Miller. "Everybody tries to achieve that standard and in the process of doing so, we keep a level-up and keep everybody on the same page with obviously success coming on the field as a result."
Miller has lead the team to the BCFC championship game in every season. In 2022, he led the team to a BCFC and Canadian Junior National Championship, the team's first in 22 years.
Last season, they lost in the BCFC final to the Westshore Rebels. This year, Miller and the team are going for another BCFC championship this Saturday, Oct. 19, against Westshore for the third straight year.
"In order to be the champions, you want to beat the champions," Miller added. "From my standpoint, it's been about working as hard as I can in order to make sure that our guys are prepared in the end and move forward in the right direction."
This is the second time in his three seasons at the helm that he's won the award.
"As a group, we have a standard that's very difficult for anybody to achieve, outside perfection, it's the standard we set," said Miller. "Everybody tries to achieve that standard and in the process of doing so, we keep a level-up and keep everybody on the same page with obviously success coming on the field as a result."
Miller has lead the team to the BCFC championship game in every season. In 2022, he led the team to a BCFC and Canadian Junior National Championship, the team's first in 22 years.
Last season, they lost in the BCFC final to the Westshore Rebels. This year, Miller and the team are going for another BCFC championship this Saturday, Oct. 19, against Westshore for the third straight year.
"In order to be the champions, you want to beat the champions," Miller added. "From my standpoint, it's been about working as hard as I can in order to make sure that our guys are prepared in the end and move forward in the right direction.
In his three seasons, Miller has a 34-2 record.
Since 1981, the players who have worn the Orange and Brown have helped build this program into what it is today.
Graduating players have always had a chance to "sign the wall" so that their names will be forever remembered inside the Sun Locker Room.
In the early 2000's, there was a fire inside the room, and a lot of those signatures were lost.
Today, marks the start of the Locker Legacy initiative.
ANY player who played for the Okanagan Sun has an opportunity to put his name, number, position and years played, permanently inside of the locker of his choosing.
Name Plates are $250.00 each
Click the link to purchase your name plate today!
Check out video under Locker Room at top of the page
Creative: @undrdogmediainc
Here are a few ways you can help us get to Windsor for the National Championship!
Family, Friends and Fans can donate to our GOFUNDME Page.
OR you can purchase a ticket to fly with us and come to the game!
Charter Flight Details (Cost $750)
Departure: November 7th - 4PM
(Flight, Transportation within Windsor with group, Game Ticket and Pizza with the team after the game)
Return: November 10th - 3AM
Please call or email Nathaniel Nagy to reserve your spot
nathaniel@bronag.ca
250-859-2968
The #BCFC Special Teams Player of the Week is Gage Parker of the Okanagan Sun Football Club . Gage had 3 punt returns, and took 2 of them to the house for touchdowns. He finished the day with 117 yards and helped lead his team to a 60-14 home victory on Saturday night. Congrats Gage!
No surprise who the Offensive Player of the Week honors go to this week. Not only has Elelyon Noa won this weekly for a fifth time this season for the Okanagan Sun Football Club , he also put himself in the #BCFC record books for most rushing yards in a single season. The new mark is 1612 yards. Congrats Elelyon on the POW honors, and setting a new #BCFC record
Photo Credit - @tyroneberryphotography
Congratulations to Okanagan Sun Football Club running back Elelyon Noa on breaking the #BCFC single season rushing yardage record today amazing 1,612 yards for the season! That eclipses the previous record of 1,604 yards established by Jamel Lyles of the Westshore Rebels in 2016.
Photo Credit - In Motion Sports Photography
The Okanagan Sun are Kelowna Touch Football League Champs!! Great way to cap off the spring football season!
Spring Camp is May 9-11, 2025 Camp details coming
If you have camp questions contact:
