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Sun rises on new coach

The Okanagan Sun didn't have to look far to find their new head coach.

Ben Macauley, who spent last season patrolling the sidelines for the KSS Owls, has been named the 16th coach in Sun history.

He replaces Shane Beatty, who stepped away after three years at the helm. Beatty led the Sun back to the national final this past season, losing out to the Saskatoon Hilltops.

Macauley led the Owls to a 4-2 regular season record in his lone season as coach. Overall, including exhibition and playoffs, the Owls went 9-3. 

They beat No. 1 ranked Argyle 27-7 In the high school post season before bowing out in the quarterfinals to eventual champions Mount Douglas 51-13.

A former tight-end, Macauley was recruited by the USC Trojans, playing a season with their junior college program at Glendale College in California. However, multiple shoulder injuries ended his playing career.

“I’m excited work with a local, community-run team,” said Macauley. 

“I have enjoyed my time getting to know everyone in the organization over the time I’ve been here (in Kelowna).  This organization is a strong and proud one, and I’m honoured to be given the opportunity to take them to the next level.”

Sun president Bill Long said the organization is thrilled to have Macauley on board.

“He was on our radar right from the outset, and we actually interviewed him five years ago for a previous opening. We could see the potential then, but he just needed some more experience," said Long.

"He is exactly the type of person we want as a head coach – knowledgeable about the game, a man of integrity and character, and has the same vision of where we need to go not only as a team, but the entire organization.”

According to Long, the Sun received a dozen applications in just two days without having to post the position.

“We were very impressed by the quality of candidates we received from all across Canada, and even from an NCAA coach. It’s a testament to how coveted it is to coach in the Okanagan, and we were very flattered by that.”

Macauley says his top priority will be to contact all of the players eligible to return for the 2016 season. He will also take part in winter workouts at the CNC on Sundays, then sit down with the coaching staff and fill in the vacant spots.

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