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.