Jets Rookie Day & Anthony Campbell February 5th, 2010
The Coventry Jets have branded their 2010 Rookie Induction
Day a roaring success. No fewer than twenty applicants came through the
afternoon’s session and will be looking to march on with their new American
Football career when the real training begins on Sunday the 7th of February.
There was also a surprise boost for the Jets’ coaching staff as Anthony ‘TC’ Campbell
attended and accepted the role of Running Backs Coach.
Campbell is reunited with former London Olympian and London
Ravens team mate Rowelle Blenman, the Jets’ defensive co-ordinator. The pair
spent four years together in the late eighties and early nineties as they won
back to back national titles. Campbell split his time between receiver and
running back in a career that spanned a decade and included Eurobowl
appearances with the Ravens at Crystal Palace. “I’ve lived in Coventry for the
past two years and, to be honest, up to that point I thought the league had
disappeared” stated Campbell “I began following the Jets through the local
press during their undefeated season in 2008 and after seeing that Rowelle had
joined the coaching staff the time seemed right to get back involved with the
sport”.
General Manager Gerry McManus was delighted to add such
experience to his coaching staff whilst picking up some new blood for the
playing squad. “TC is a fantastic addition, he’s played at the highest level
and will be able to pass his knowledge onto some of the fantastic young players
we have emerging. It’s been a great day all round, we’ve had some good feedback
from the rookies and we’re looking forward to seeing them again next week to
pick up where they left off”.
Paul Burke, 25, wasn’t sure of what to expect heading into
the day “I was quite wary of what
the standard would be as I hadn’t had any experience of playing the game. My
initial reservations were short lived thanks to the professionalism of the
coaches; they could not give enough advice and encouragement and I immediately
felt as though I was part of the family”. From the Coundon area of the
City, Burke was enthused at the
thought of returning “I personally left the day eager to get back to the next
session and learn even more. I’m sure the club will have a great season thanks in
no small part to the togetherness of the players and coaching staff alike and
the professionalism and determination shown by all”.
Burke will be
joined by fellow Coventrian Mark Thomas “It was a good training session,
hard work but very enjoyable. It gave me a good idea of what is to come, and
what I can achieve if I put the work in and train hard. The management team
have big plans for this season and I am really looking forward to being a part
of the Jets winning tradition”. The senior playing staff return to training on
Sunday and will join their prospective team mates on the practice field before
heading to Crosby’s bar to watch Superbowl XLIV.
Coventry’s other American Sports powerhouse, Elite Ice
Hockey League leaders, the Blaze are playing hosts at their bar after their
table-topping clash with the Nottingham Panthers. With drinks promotions
throughout the night as well as food the evening is set to be a rousing
success. Join the Jets and Blaze at Crosby’s as they enjoy one the highlights
of the sporting calendar. Superbowl XLIV pairs the New Orleans Saints against
the Indianapolis Colts as league MVP Peyton Manning looks for his second career
title. |