It was a crisp morning but the weather was perfect to kick off day one of BC Lions training camp in Kamloops. The Lions took to the field in a very workmanlike manner, and the intensity was high for the first practice of camp. There were great catches, interceptions and even a few big hits in the morning session of day one, a session that had the defense looking a little sharper than the offense early on. We have some highlights of the first practice here, and you can see some pictures below.

Be sure to check back this afternoon as we will live blog from the afternoon session as well.

The BC Lions announced the signing of two players they hope will help address some of the needs on the their defence this season. Linebacker Joe Henderson and defensive lineman Domini Pittman have signed with the team.

Henderson had a successful career at Alabama-Bimingham and was awarded a First team All-Conference USA selection in 2008. He lead his team, racking up 87 tackles, including 12 for a loss and had seven career sacks. On his college profile, they had this description of Henderson:

” A speedy linebacker who has emerged the past two seasons as one of the top players at his position in Conference USA … has earned all-conference honors the past two seasons … was named in August to the Watch List of the Butkus Award, given annually to the nation’s outstanding college linebacker.”

Domini Pittman did a four year stint at North Alabama, appearing in 51 games. He led the team in sacks in his last two seasons and helped his team to four straight Division II playoff appearances. Pittman, who is listed at 6’4″ and anywhere between 230-250 pounds, will come to camp to compete for a spot on the defensive line that has led the CFL in sacks the last two season, but who lost Ricky Foley this past off-season to the NFL.