By Dan Marshall

Spring Camp a success for coach Hocking and the VI Raiders

May 9, 2018 | 10:14 AM

NANAIMO — The VI Raiders held their Spring Camp over the weekend and coach Doug Hocking is happy with what he saw.
 
There were about 80 players and the coaching staff feel they all proved they can play at the BCFC level.
 
Camp ended with a scrimmage game and Hocking says the defense won the day but the overall compete level was quite high.
 
Recruiting the best players from across the country is crucial for the Raiders to repeat as Cullen Cup champions and realize their ultimate goal of winning the Canadian Bowl, but giving local players a chance to play junior football is important as well.
 
Hocking says the success of some of the local high school programs will help the Raiders.
 
“Nate (NDSS) and Rob (Barsby) Stevenson both do outstanding jobs so we want those kids to look in their back yard and want to play junior football,” said Hocking.
 
The regular season doesn’t begin until August 5th in Chilliwack but the team will remain hard at work in the meantime.
 
The players have their own programs which will include lots of time in the gym.
 
June 1st is the beginning of the signing period for 2018 and that will pave the way for main training camp in July.
 
There’s a sense of confidence around a young team that won a BC title in 2017, but Hocking says there also a hunger within the group about taking the next step, improving, and contending for a national title.
 
 
dan@nanaimonewsnow.com
 
On twitter: @danmarshall77