Training Camp Day 3: May 31st
Kamloops – The mood at Hillside Stadium early Tuesday morning was more upbeat than the first two days as Lions players practiced in pads for the first time in 2016. The excitement was evident throughout as players were yelling, laughing and even engaging in a little fun trash talk. Although Wally Buono maintains a couple of walk through days were crucial for playing up tempo football, you could tell a few of the veterans were itching to start hitting. And boy, did they ever? With rookies and youngsters looking to stand out as well as veterans looking to hold down starting spots, getting a couple of early pops in is essential at any training camp. The day started with some individual drills and also included about 25 total plays of team scrimmage action. Morning session went about 20 minutes longer than the first two days as the coaching staff looks to get in as much evaluation as they can. Despite no pads in the afternoon, the tempo and enthusiasm did not waiver.
WHO STOOD OUT:
Offensively, Wally Buono praised Jonathon Jennings and Travis Lulay for not being phased by the speed on day one of full contact. The offensive line did their part in protecting the QB’s from various defensive schemes thrown at them by Mark Washington. Lavelle Hawkins hauled in the longest touchdown pass of the 
day on a bomb from Jennings. The catch of the day, maybe even the best play of camp so far, came in the afternoon when Geraldo Boldewijn hauled in a diving, one-handed grab during two-on-two drills. The noise and reaction all over the field was wild. Devonn Brown later made an acrobatic diving grab in the end zone. On both of those occasions, defensive backs were forced to do push ups.
On defence, the ‘team 100’ duo of Solomon Elimimian and Adam Bighill were reunited and it looked like they haven’t missed a beat. The duo was flying around all morning and you could tell they were happy to be focussing on football. Newcomer Brandon Stewart was a force in the secondary and had the defensive play of the day in team scrimmage when he broke up a long pass toward the end zone. Loucheiz Purifoy was playing tight coverage throughout and managed to cause difficulty for the receivers he was covering. Linebacker Darius Lane had the only turnover of the day, an interception on what looked to be an errant throw.
QUOTES OF NOTE:
“We’re big, strong and fast. When one of us makes a play, the other guy reacts”- Bighill on the return of Elimimian.
“It’s important to win, but you also have to have a little pizazz. I think we have those types of players.”- Buono on new additions making team better.
TOMORROW’S SCHEDULE: 
Training Camp Day 4:
Morning Practice: 8:30am- 10:30 am ( padded practice)
Afternoon Practice: 3:30PM- 5:30PM ( no pads, helmets only)
WATCHING:
Runing back/returner Chris Rainey did not take part in any contact drills as he recovers from a recurring hand injury. He was full go in the afternoon.Anthony Gaitor injured his hamstring early in the day and fellow Defensive back Willie Creear ( groin) once again watched from the sidelines. Linebacker Dyshawn Davis was experiencing headaches after contact drills in the morning. He sat out afternoon session as a precaution.
TRANSACTIONS:
NONE.