BC Lions Rourke, Pierce share thoughts on Kamloops hopefuls Meikle, Bond

Added Meikle: “The goal is to go all the way.”

Meikle, 20, was at Lions’ camp last year, avoiding cuts after rookie camp, surviving main camp and dressing for a CFL pre-season contest (he did not play).

That experience — and work the Westsyde Secondary graduate put in during the off-season — is bolstering confidence this year.

“I’ve definitely put on some size, which is good,” said Meikle, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs about 225 pounds.

“The guys here are pretty big, so you’ve got to get bigger or else you’ll get knocked over pretty easily.”

Meikle managed to get a few reps in with Lions’ starting quarterback Nathan Rourke last year, joining the Leos briefly for practise after his Broncos fell short of the BCFC playoffs.

Rourke is among the few veterans taking part in mini-camp this week.

“Big, tall guy and Canadian, which is great,” Rourke said of Meikle. “He was working on the inside as a receiver. Big enough, strong enough to take on some D-ends, but also has good hands and good feel for the pace and tempo of some of the routes, so looking forward to continue to watch him develop and, hopefully, he’s a B.C. Lion this year and we can continue to work together.”

Meikle has a new head coach to impress, with the Lions dispatching Rick Campbell in the off-season and hiring former Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ offensive co-ordinator Buck Pierce as his replacement.

“It’s just a good, fresh start,” Meikle said when asked about the task of earning the trust of a new head coach. “There’s no downside to it. Brand new eyes.”

Pierce said Meikle moves well and appears to be strong, noting he’s interested to see how the roster hopeful learns a new offence.

“He’s a versatile player — smart, intelligent and asks good questions,” Pierce said. “I’ve been impressed so far.”

Meikle’s history with the Lions was not erased with the departure of Campbell.

Staff holdovers include Ryan Rigmaiden, who was promoted to Lions’ general manager in November and served as assistant general manager and director of player personnel for the past three seasons.

“He’s a familiar face and a good guy,” Meikle said of Rigmaiden.

Bond, 22, is participating in his first professional training camp and his football rise has been meteoric since moving to the Tournament Capital six years ago.

“I wasn’t really thinking about a football career,” Bond said. “I started in Grade 12 just to be active, have something to do. And then it kind of turned into moving to Kelowna, playing for the Sun. And now we’re here.”

The reigning BCFC defensive player of the year does not seem fazed this week at Lions’ camp.

“It’s just football at the end of the day,” Bond said. “Fly around. Come out to work every day and bust your ass.”

Pierce said Bond is extremely versatile and his natural football traits are evident.

“Amazing story,” Pierce said. “Very likeable individual. He’s going to earn everything that he gets. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him and watching him play.”

Rookie camp wraps up on Friday evening (May 9) at Hillside Stadium, with main camp slated to begin on Sunday.

by Marty Hastings

BC Lions Rourke, Pierce share thoughts on Kamloops hopefuls Meikle, Bond

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