Sun signings highlighted by highly touted QB and local talent

While head coach Ben Macauley has never handed out a starting job to a player until he comes to main camp and earns it, Foster Martens is close to being an exception.

A quarterback with three years experience with the University of Manitoba Bisons, Martens was the shining star among a galaxy of Okanagan Sun signings this week.

“We believe Foster was the best quarterback in the country available,” said Macauley after the total number of Canadian Junior Football League national signing-day recruits climbed to over 30 players. “While it’s not his job to lose — because we really want to see competition for the starting position — he will be the most polished and mature guy out there.”

Macauley and recruiting coordinator Nathan Mollard also had young QB Josh Leggatt in Edmonton (Jasper Place High School) sign on with the Kelowna-based B.C. Junior Football Conference team this week, while Keith Zyla of Edmonton, who was third on the pivot depth chart last year behind Cam Bedore and Josiah Joseph (University of Calgary), will also push Martens.

Playing behind former Sun starter Theo Deezar with the Bisons, and expected to remain in his shadow this year, Martens thought it better to play regularly with the Sun rather than be the backup in Manitoba. Macauley and Mollard couldn't be happier.

“Foster played well in the two games he did get in last year, so we knew he had all the tools,” pointed out Macauley. “But he blew us away at spring camp with his poise and athletic ability.”

Described more of a stay-at-home quarterback, Martens strength is in his arm and ability to read defences.

“He keeps his eyes downfield while on the run and extends a play when he’s flushed out of the pocket,” noted Macauley. “Because he has such a quick and strong release, he really puts pressure on the defence.”

Helping Martens find time in the backfield will be another of the Sun’s key signings this week. Liam Hamlyn is a still-growing 6-foot-2, 260-pound offensive lineman, whose Foothills Composite High School team won an Alberta provincial championship last fall. He also just recently wrestled his way to a provincial high school bronze medal in the ring.

“Liam’s still only 17, but he will be ready quickly,” predicted Macauley, who lost O-line all-star Cliff Crews to the University of Calgary and Ryan Wengelinski to the University of Manitoba. “Because of his wrestling experience, Liam has great footwork, explosive and has impressive leverage. Not a lot of people knew about him coming into spring camp, but he certainly turned a lot of heads with his natural athletic ability and the way he handled himself against veteran players.”

While Hamlyn and the likes of returnees Michele Vecchio and Jeremy Williams will be blocking and for Martens, Leggatt and Zyla, Macauley is high on the corps of receivers who got in on this week’s signings.

Likely highest on the list is 18-year-old Kian Ishaini, who comes to Kelowna from Halifax with a year under his belt at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick.

Macauley said he’s also looking forward to seeing the continued development of returning receivers Lliam Wishart and Jesse Falconer, who played in the shadows of graduates Kyle Kawamoto and Kyle Patchell last season, but are poised to take over the limelight.

Among the many Central Okanagan prospects taking the step from verbal commitments to putting pen to paper on Wednesday was Mt. Boucherie Bears grad, Spencer Schmidt.

“Spencer is an absolute steal for the program,” wrote Macauley on his Facebook page. “If he’s around long enough (hands off CIS), he will be one of the best receivers to wear the brown and orange.”

While Macauley conceded that Schmidt needs to develop physically — so he can be more of a threat in the middle of the gridiron — his work ethic and natural ability will make the transition easier for the Sun to get him in the rotation this season.

Several other recruits from Boucherie, the Rutland Voodoos and the Kelowna Owls (Macauley’s team last year) made the commitment to the Sun on Wednesday:

Nicholas Tran — Kelowna Owls — reunites with his former coach. “Nic is one tough dude. Played his final playoff game on a broken leg,” noted Macauley on FB. A receiver and defensive end with the Owls, Tran gives the Sun more options because of his versatility.

Keenen Berg — Kelowna Owls — “Plays hard and has tons of potential.”

Cole Stregger — Kelowna Owls — “Came out (to spring camp) after having both front teeth knocked out in rugby. Tall, smart and the highest possible character.”

Trevor Ash — Kelowna Owls — “Trevor has only one speed (fast). He can play on either side of the ball and does so at 100 per cent every rep and every practice. Proud to say he’s a KSS alum.”

Adam DiBiase — “Brings incredible quickness and will soon become like another coach on the field. Very cerebral young man.”

Ty Truong — Mt. Boucherie Bears — “Brings athleticism to the Sun. He’s a very versatile back and has been well coached by Mike Godwin and his staff.”

Patrick Kyle — Rutland Voodoos — “A young player with loads of potential. Will make a mark on the team in the coming years.”

Mitchel Walz — Rutland Voodoos — “Mitch brings a dynamic skill set, having played quarterback and defensive back. Nice to have another Voodoos player join the Sun family.”

Kazu Sakata — Rutland Voodoos — “Another Voodoo with unlimited potential. Will be a part of a strong linebacking corps.”

Alex Hemmett — Rutland Voodoos —joins us on the offensive line and will be a part of a group of Voodoos who will grow in our system.”

The Sun’s training camp opens July 9, with their first league game scheduled for July 23 against the Valley Huskers in Chilliwack. They’ll play July 30 in Kamloops against the Broncos and their home opener is set for Aug. 6 when they play host to the Westshore Rebels.