Photos courtesy of AllSportMedia.ca and @undrdogmediainc

The defending BC Conference champion Okanagan Sun have been busy retooling after the graduation of several key pieces to last year’s championship winning team.  

There are always high expectations in Kelowna and whenever there is an opportunity to host a national game, the Sun always seem to be in the mix.   Last season they were one win away from completing their ultimate goal of the national championship.  

This year the winner of the BC Conference Cullen Cup will host the CJFL national semi-final against the winner from the Ontario Conference in late October to win the right to play for the Canadian Bowl in the Prairies. 

In the backfield the Sun will be strong once again with the return of running back Gerren Hardisty.  The former Westshore Rebel was a CJFL Second Team All-Canadian in 2023 before leaving for USports for a season last year.   During the ’23 campaign he rushed for 1084 yards on 108 carries with 13 touchdowns for an offence that loved to throw the ball. 

Hardisty would like to make an immediate impact with his new team and has been putting in the work this offseason with an individual goal in mind, “I focused on bulking up to 200lbs this offseason while maintaining my athleticism.  Personally, one of my goals is working towards being recognized as a First Team All-Canadian this season.”

The Colwood, BC native has a motor that does not stop and will be a focal point for the Sun offensive punch, “My biggest strength on the field is my relentless will to win.”  

He will be a force on the natural grass surface of the Apple Bowl when the Sun open the season in a couple of weeks and has already impressed his new head coach Travis Miller, “Gerren had a fantastic spring camp and continues to establish himself as one of the most dynamic backs in the league. His speed, toughness, and competitive nature stands out, but it’s his growth as a leader that’s really elevated his game. We’re expecting big things from him this year.”

Over on the defensive side, Hardisty is more than happy to be teammates with the reigning BC Conference Defensive Player of the Year, linebacker Jacob Bond. 

He is back with the Sun after a very impressive training camp with the BC Lions.  Last season he was a beast with 49 tackles, had an interception, recovered two fumbles and was an overall nuisance for the opposing offence en route to being named a CJFL First Team All-Canadian.

In 2025, he will no doubt improve hoping to help his team back to Canadian Bowl playoffs, “My goal for this season is to be a better overall player/captain than last year. Our team is focused on getting better as a group week by week.”

His experience at Lions camp was very humbling as he learned how to be a professional football player, lessons that will help him in his final season of junior, “Anytime I’m on the field I try to play with the intensity every linebacker should have. It rubs off on the whole defensive unit.”

Coach Miller is more than excited to have Bond back in orange and brown this season, “Jacob is the heartbeat of our defense and one of the most respected leaders on the team. His attendance at BC Lions camp is a credit to his work ethic and ability. On and off the field, he sets the tone — a true competitor and someone our group leans on.”

The Sun open their Cullen Cup title defence on Saturday July 19th at Langley, which will be a test right out of the gate against the Rams, on the road.  Their home opener is set for July 26th at the Apple Bowl. 

Gerren Hardisty and Jacob Bond are CJFL Players to Watch in 2025.