|
Cats Coaching staff receives a double
boost
The Cats have
taken yet another step towards the 2009 BAFL season appointing two experienced
positional coaches to work alongside Defensive Co-ordinator Ray Palmer. Both
appointments come from individuals familiar to the organisation, and hopes are
high that these knowledgeable Americans will help strengthen an already
formidable defence.
Appointed to
oversee the Defensive Backs, Coach Cornelius Walker joined the Cats during the
2008 season and made an immediate impact both on defense as well as spelling at
running back. The 28 year old has over two decades of playing experience, in
the United States, Germany and most recently Japan where “C-Walk” helped the
team win 2 of the 4
USFJ-AFL Torii
Bowl’s his Misawa Marauders
reached in the 7 seasons he was with the
side. Coach Walker experienced immediate success from the sidelines as he
helped steer the Edgren Eagles High School team to Championships in both
seasons he was with them. Walker is keen to further his achievement as he
“bleeds, sweats and breaths this game”. Styled as a role model by action, Coach
Walker admits that he is “not much of a talker, but I show on the field, and so
do the DBs I coach”.
In addition to Walker, The Cats defense also welcomes back Tracy “Tre
Dawg” Carpenter. Coach Carpenter spent 3 years as the dominant linebacker in
the Cats defense at the turn of the millennium, pushing Cambridgeshire into the
play offs in all 3 seasons. Bringing 37 years of football wisdom, “Tre Dawg” has
the enthusiasm of a youngster willing to play wherever, be it under the Friday
night lights of Alabama high-school ball, right down to “no-equipment tackle”
on streets and parking lots, and Coach Carpenter brings with him an intense and
charismatic attitude that has already inspired the young Cats under his tutelage.
His ethos to football can easily be understood by hearing his oft-stated
rallying edict: “Linebackers do it STANDING UP!”
Palmer says: “With Tre Dawg and C Walk on board I feel extremely confident
the Cats defense will once again this year be a force to be reckoned with. I
know they will always deliver 110% on and off the field. With over 100 years
experience on ‘D’ my defence will be racking up great stats again this year”.
Coach Walker and Coach Carpenter are huge assets to Coach Palmer’s defensive
staff, and the shape that the team is taking is pleasing to Head Coach Shaw,
who cannot hide his delight and gratitude for having such experienced individuals
on board: “
I’d like to congratulate these key personnel for
making the commitment to represent the Cambridgeshire Cats American Football
Team. I know what calibre people they are, thus, giving us an advantage in
preparation. Both Coaches bring there “A” game with outstanding knowledge and a
great attitude! They will definitely bring the wood!”
The Cats
training schedule is building as the pre-season gets into full swing with
scrimmage matches and training camp to be announced in the near future, to get
involved feel free to visit our weekly practice sessions at Cats Field,
Coldhams Common Cambridge, every Sunday from 1200. For more information, please
visit
www.CambridgeshireCats.com