The VI Raiders have announced their staff and first player commitments for the 2024 BCFC season. (Paul M. Williams)

By Dan Marshall

Taking Shape

VI Raiders laying foundation for 2024 season

Jan 28, 2024 | 11:07 AM

NANAIMO — The Vancouver Island Raiders are making changes and additions on and off the field for the upcoming BCFC season.

With alumni running back and now retired CFLer Andrew Harris at the helm the team has a new regime in place.

Harris is now the club’s full time director of football operations and his title has expanded further to include a role on the board of directors.

“I wanted to be able to look at things with a more executive point of view,” Harris said. “I needed a break from being on the field and I’m really looking forward to the progress we’ve made.”

Harris has placed a familiar face in the head coach and defensive co-ordinator position with Shawn Arabsky taking on the dual role.

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Arabsky was in the general manager’s chair last season but he’s ready for a new challenge.

“I’m excited to have this opportunity to coach the Raiders and unite the football community in Nanaimo. We are building an amazing team beginning with our offensive co-ordinator Jake Laberge, the rest of our staff, the players and the board.”

Doug Avender will take over as general manager and the team has announced it’s full coaching staff with Sean Murray, Colin Pippy, Trevor Pelland and Mike Gilcash taking on some of the key roles.

“It was important to get more alumni back involved,” Harris explained. “Guys who have played the game and want to give back to the football community.”

The Raiders aren’t officially able to sign players yet but recently have have announced several player commitments for the upcoming season.

The first two local commitments were Parker Moscrip and Anthony Anderson from the Barsby Bulldogs high school program.

The pair drew high praise from their current high school coach Rob Stevenson.

“Moscrip is a gifted all around athlete who can catch, block and throw offensively. Defensively, Parker was a BC High School Football provincial all-star playing defensive end for the Bulldogs in 2022. Anderson is a physically and mentally tough individual with a motor. Anthony is a player that the Raiders are going to build their line around.”

The Raiders recruiting process is ongoing but Harris has high expectations for the year ahead.

“We’ve got some guys stateside and some local guys who want to stay here. These guys are going to be some of the better players at this level and we’re going to put the country on notice. We want to see progress and the standard being set at a higher level.”

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