Any time a team loses a president and general manager in the same off-season, it constitutes a big shake-up. But Okanagan Sun outgoing president Les Weiss insists it will be a smooth transition for his successor. "I think a change is healthy," said Weiss, who plans to step aside in February but will remain on the board as past president and stay involved with the club‘s scholarship breakfast. "I think it‘s unhealthy if the same people are there for too long a period. Twenty-eight years of being here, it‘s just time that some new blood comes in and takes over." Without Weiss at the helm, the Sun will certainly have a new look and new feel. Weiss has filled many roles within the organization, coaching for five seasons starting in 1986 before becoming general manager in 1991. He held that post until 2008 when he was promoted to president in place of Bob Lindsay, who retired from the position. Under Weiss‘ watch as GM, the Sun never missed the B.C. Football Conference final. As president, Weiss recruited former Sun player and coach Derrick Malinchuk to assume his GM duties, and the pair ran the franchise for two seasons - losing to the Vancouver Island Raiders in the 2008 final, then losing 25-16 in the semifinals in Nanaimo on Oct. 24. Shortly after, Weiss said he would not be running for president in 2010. Then, on Friday, Malinchuk also resigned as GM, citing business and family reasons. For Weiss, it was just time to step aside. Having been approached by current registrar Ray Wynsouw, who intends to run for the vacant presidency, Weiss said he‘s ready to pass the torch. "This was not really planned," Weiss said, "but when Ray told me that he would like to run for president next year, I said by all means. "I wanted somebody to take over that is very passionate and wants to be there, and Ray‘s certainly that." Weiss said although others may emerge with interest in becoming president, Wynsouw is a fitting replacement. "Ray has been here since . . . well, ever. Maybe not always as part of the board, but he‘s been a big supporter of the organization," said Weiss, adding Wynsouw accompanied him to the most recent BCFC meetings. "So, it‘ll be a very smooth transition. I‘m helping Ray however I can right now, and I‘ll still sit on the board and do my part to make sure everything runs smoothly." Top of Page
