CFL B.C. Lions

BC Lions 2009 Training Camp Report - Day 1

Published on June 7, 2009 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
B.C. Lions News Release


(Vancouver) After three days of BC Lions rookie camp, the entire squad of Leo hopefuls hit the field Sunday morning for the first of two practices on the opening day of training camp.

The Lions suspended five players Saturday evening including offensive lineman Martin Bibla, defensive back Trestin George as well as receivers Anthony Russo and Jason Jones.

Offensive lineman Sherko Haji-Rasouli was also suspended but is slated to return to the club Tuesday while fellow lineman Lorne Plante was released after failing his physical.

In keeping with training camp tradition, temperatures that hit the low-30's late in the week dropped into the high teens Sunday morning as clouds breezy conditions greeted 77 Lion hopefuls.

It wasn't long into the first session before the offence and defence faced-off in a team situation with strong play on both sides if the ball. Quarterback Buck Pierce looked sharp connecting on a number of passes including one to sophomore Ryan Grice-Mullen, while halfback Ryan Phillips notched an interception for the defence.

During lunch, the club welcomed its newest member as offensive lineman Vaughn Lesuma joined the squad and saw his first action in the afternoon. Grice-Mullen also hauled in a long ball in the second session versus the starting defence while slotbacks Geroy Simon and Paris Jackson both looked solid. Newcomer William Heyward also picked up an interception this afternoon.

Food Fare: Always a popular feature in training camp reports is the daily menu review. Lunch at Columbia Bible College consisted of chicken chow mein, rice, turkey and ham sandwiches with dinner featuring salad, roasted chicken and potatoes as well as cannelloni.

Quotable: "Clearly Carl has not been running" - unnamed Lions staff member on the fitness level of guest coach Carl Kidd.

Next Up: Monday, June 8 - two sessions (8:30 am-10:30am & 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm)

The Lions travel to Calgary to take on the defending Grey Cup champion Stampeders in preseason action on Wednesday, June 17th and will host the Edmonton Eskimos at BC Place on Tuesday, June 23rd at 7:00 pm.

2009 BC Lions single game tickets are on sale now! For more information on ticket packages call 604.589.ROAR.

Following the Lions daily on Twitter as they prepare for the 2009 season! For more information on the BC Lions Football Club, please visit our website at bclions.com.

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Canadian Football League Stories from June 7, 2009


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