The British Columbia Football Conference (BCFC) is pleased to honour Craig Briere from the Prince George Kodiaks as the recipient of the Ken Smith Executive of the Year award winner for 2022. Craig first came on the BCFC scene back in 2019 when he first inquired to the Conference about starting a franchise in Prince George. Putting together a sound, viable plan to get the Northen based team to be considered was the first major hurdle Craig needed to overcome. Doing this required the support a lot of work on Craig's part, along with the City of Prince George, the business and football community, and the fan base in the region. Craig was able to unite all of these groups and more, and gain a conditional approval from the BCFC in early 2020, with the goal to begin play for the 2022 season. Along came Covid-19 shortly after the conditional approval was granted, and the world came to a sudden halt. Despite a global pandemic, Craig and his team were still able to do what was necessary to remove the conditions in order to gain full member standing in July of 2021, with the goal remaining to play in the 2022 season. While there was discussion about perhaps waiting until 2023 because of the pandemic, Craig was still able to put together a business plan, build internal infrastructure, engage a fan base and build a team from scratch and get them on the playing field for 2022.
Although the 2022 season didn't go as planned in terms of wins and losses for the Kodiaks, they were able to energize a fan base in the North, develop and grow grassroots football in the region, and be valuable members of the BCFC in their first year of existence. The team had a great atmosphere and fan experience at home games, drawing large and enthusiastic crowds and the community rallied behind the Kodiaks. This plan and work were with Craig leading the charges.
Prior to joining the BCFC, Craig also coached high school and community football, served on the BC High School Board as the Northern Rep, began 7 on 7 football in North, worked with various academy and provincial programs with the British Columbia Provincial Football Association (Provincial Sport organization for football in BC), and grew relationships with other regions in the North.
The Conference is excited to see what the 2023 season (and beyond) will bring for Prince George. The team is in great shape with Craig's leadership, dedication and commitment to the Kodiaks and the Conference and we are proud to honour Craig Briere with the 2022 Ken Smith Executive of the Year award.
