The Defending BC Champs Are Back On The Field

Photo courtesy of @_in_motion__photography_

Story by By CJFL Media, 05/14/25,

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.