The Coventry Jets have beaten off competition from the London Cobras and London Blitz to sign nose tackle James Lewis. The 19 year old is an exciting prospect after playing four years of high school football in Port Orange, Florida. "I've trained with a few teams since moving back to England but think that the Jets are the best fit for me" stated the likeable young Enfield native.
Coming to the end of his second season in Rugby Union, Lewis has Captained Saracens 2nd XV and has an amateur cup win under his belt "I love to play sports and I'm proud of what I've achieved so far. I have a tendency to pick up sports very quickly and I'm pleased to be joining the Jets as they have some experienced coaches who can help me progress my game".
At 6'4" and almost 25 stone Lewis possesses incredible size but has speed to go with it proving a formidable foe and providing an anchor to the Jets defensive line after the loss of Winston Dumas. "I've seen some good young talent coming through at the Jets and I'm looking forward to competing for a starting spot. There's a great history at the club and I want to contribute to winning more silverware".
Not content with just playing, Lewis has designs on a coaching role also "I'm impressed with the youth set up and want to be able to get involved there and help out in any way I can. It's great to be involved in a club that cater for all age groups and as the only team in the Country that fields teams in every discipline Coventry are truly committed to this sport and progressing the game".
Having visited most of America's 50 states in his time with the Spruce Creek Hawks, Lewis is well travelled but his dream destination this year is the National Championship game "I want the team to go as far as possible this year and that means winning back the National Title. It'll be hard work as we're a young team but I believe that as long as we play with heart and play as a family we can win anything".
Few would disagree with Lewis' desire and his work ethic has already impressed the Jets coaches "he's a great kid" admired Acting Head Coach Gerry McManus. "James is very young but has acquired some great experience in the U.S. and that will help us as he imparts that knowledge onto his team mates. His work rate and attitude are tremendous, you couldn't ask for anything more".
With the postponement of Sunday's visit to the London Cobras, Lewis will make his debut against the Bristol Aztecs at the Butts Park Arena on Saturday the 22nd of May. The game will be preceded by the Jets Youth facing the Birmingham Bulls. The action gets underway at 11:00 and entry prices are £5 for adults, £2 for Under 16s with a family ticket that covers 2 adults and 4 children for just £10. For further information on the Coventry Jets visit their website www.coventryjets.co.uk or follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.
With a string of sponsors already onboard for what looks to be the Jets' most enthralling season to date, General Manager Gerry McManus today announced yet another significant coup. National restaurant chain, Old Orleans, have lent their support to the Jets national championship campaign. As well as pouring money into the clubs coffers, the deal also means that players and club staff can look forward to significant discounts on food as they dine at one of the chains 13 nationwide restaurants.
The deal also includes hosting the Jets' first ever season launch party which takes place on Friday the 14th of May. The evening offers fans of the club the opportunity to mingle with past and present members of the playing staff and a chance to meet the new signings. The event is staged just eight days before the Jets kick off the new season against their old enemy, the Bristol Aztecs.
Coventry Dynamite cheerleaders will also be in attendance at the kick off party having agreed to replace "The Crew" as the Jets new dance squad. Mandy Biggs will be bringing the Dynamite's award winning senior stunt squad to introduce to the Jets' faithful. McManus is expecting a good reception "It's the first time we've done anything like this, but, thanks to the Jets' Supporters Club and their help in co-ordinating the event it'll be a fun evening for every involved.
"Everyone's looking forward to it from the players to the coaches to the volunteer staff and fans. This club is growing from a family to a community and it's an exciting time to be involved". Old Orleans is a unique dining experience, offering an authentic taste of the Deep South. The fantastic culinary heritage of Louisiana and the South is reflected in their food and drink menus with décor inspired by classic Crescent City style.
With a menu featuring classic Louisiana and Cajun recipes such as Jambalaya and Gumbo the chefs create occasional surprises and opportunities for customers to try out new additions to the menu. With inspiration firmly from New Orleans, the home of current Superbowl Champions, Old Orleans will provide an inspiration for the Jets to emulate the Saints' 2010 success.