Numbers, Intensity High at 2010 Spring Camp

        On May 14,15,16 Nanaimo District Secondary School was the home of Spring Camp 2010 for the VI Raiders. Over 110 young men converged on the Hub City for three VERY busy days of football. Registration and testing was the order of the day on Friday. Once all the out of towners were checked into their accommodations, it was down to the track for 40’s, bench reps, and T times. The Raiders coaching staff was particularly impressed by the commitment to training that was displayed by the returning core of the team. Friday was wrapped up with a light practice, dinner and bed time.

        Saturday was a long day, filled with hard work and hot weather. The hottest day of the year on the Island was the working conditions for the players, who were ran through every drill from 1 on 1’s to the pit drill. Talent assessment was the job at hand for the Raider coaching staff, as the bevy of guest coaches took the instructional reigns, allowing the every day Raider staff to get a feel for who could be a difference maker this season. Guest coaches included Sherko Rasouli, Angus Reid, Jason Arakgi, Sean Whyte, Emmanuel Arceneaux, Andrew Jones, and Jon Hameister-Ries of the BC Lions. The Alumni was also well represented, as over 15 former Raiders made the pilgrimage back to their old stomping grounds.
         After Saturday’s two a day, there were more than a few weary bodies around the dorms on Sunday morning for breakfast. But the players pushed through and brought the energy level back up for the afternoon’s inter squad game. Thanks to the numbers on hand, the team was split into two full offensive and defensive units which made for some great competition and aggression on the field. Now all those involved will have some time to hit the gym, consider their options, and get revved up for main camp and the 2010 BCFC season.