New general manager takes control of Okanagan Sun
Championship-winning coach returning to fold in new role for 2019
The Okanagan Sun introduced a familiar face as their new general manager this week.
Lawrence Nagy, who was the head coach of the team for both national championships in 1988 and 2000, is taking the reins from fellow former coach Jay Christensen.
Nagy, who also won five B.C. Football Conference titles as a coach and earned induction into the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame, is looking forward to his new role with the club.
“I would like to thank Jay for all the hard work he has done over the past several years. I have some very big shoes to fill,” said Nagy. “As the general manager, I look forward to carrying on where Jay has left off. We do have a few new challenges. We will need to find a new head coach as soon as possible. This process is in place and looks very promising.
“In the interim, we’ll need to make sure that the whole Okanagan Sun family is secure and informed. My goal is to continue our quest for a Canadian championship.
“This will require that we continue to build a culture of excellence through discipline and hard work. I am totally dedicated to this goal and I am excited for the opportunity to work with the whole organization towards this end.”
Christensen has decided that after many years of involvement with the club, the time has come to hand off the GM duties.
“I am extremely excited to be handing over to Nagy,” said Christensen. “He not only has the commitment it takes to be successful but also understands the culture we have that makes this the premier destination for Canadian junior football players.
“For myself, I look forward to taking on some special projects that will see a resurgence of fan excitement at the Apple Bowl.”
Ben Macauley stepped down as the Sun head coach following their playoff exit this fall. He had been in charge for three seasons since replacing Shane Beatty in 2016.