The Coventry Jets have announced the names of the first two rookies to successfully make this season's squad. Chris Shorey and Mark Wade have undergone three months of gruelling training to be the included on the Jets first roster of 2010.
"I'm delighted to have passed through rookie camp and made it onto the team" stated Shorey, a personal trainer from nearby Leamington Spa "I'm thrilled to be able to represent such a reputable and established team as the Jets, I'm relishing the opportunity".
Wade agreed "I see joining the jets as a fantastic opportunity to play in the top tier of British American Football. My goal in my rookie season is to establish myself as a starter and hopefully win a National Title. It's a big ask but there's no point in setting goals too low, I'm working with great coaches and I know they can help me achieve my long term goals of representing Great Britain and playing against Europe's elite teams".
Club Secretary Adam Etheridge was delighted with the pair's progress "Mark and Chris are a credit to the club, they're fine additions and I believe they'll achieve great things with the Jets. We've got a great rookie crop and these are just the first of many to emerge, I expect to see at least another six on the roster by the time we run out at the Butts on May the 22nd. This is a very inclusive club and we believe that we can turn anyone into an American Football player but when you get athletes of the calibre of these two it just makes the job so much easier".
Shorey is the proud owner of three British Open Grappling silver medals in the Heavyweight Division. As well as being an enthusiast of Mixed Martial Arts and Ju Jitsu, Shorey volunteers teaching Wrestling to children. "I want to score points and nail down a starting position" said Shorey, the 26 year old who will compete for one of the wide receiver slots left vacant by the retirement of Mark Cohen and the transfers of Dale Hawes and Nathan Dobson.
"I understand the sport is demanding on the mind as well as the body but nobody expects playing at the top level in the UK and Europe to be an easy task. I want to make it known that I'm a valuable asset to the team and to help take the Jets all the way to a successful expedition in Europe once again". Wade will line up on the opposite side of the ball at linebacker. The Rugby Union convert will compete with Parm Sidhu, Will White and Andrew McKenzie for time in Rowelle Blenman's defensive scheme. Having twice won the Warwickshire District and also represented his County, the 19 year old Wade is no stranger to success and will hope to carry that on into his Jets' career.
Coventry Jets are always on the lookout for volunteers and new talent, if you'd like to get involved please visit the clubs website www.coventryjets.co.uk. The Jets are the only club in England that will field a team in all seven disciplines, catering for male or females from the age of seven. You can also follow the Jets on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.