Superbowl XLII brings awards for Phoenix

Posted in: Tamworth Phoenix, BAFL 2    By Ryan Baker Feb 12, 2008 - 3:12:49 PM

The Tamworth Phoenix held their Annual Awards Evening on Superbowl Sunday to mark the close of the 2007 season for both their Youth and Adult teams. The evening opened with the Youth team collecting their honours first.

Tom Bishop was awarded 'Offensive Most Valuable Player (MVP)' with great displays at both receiver and quarterback during the 2007 season, scoring touchdowns at both positions. Bishop also collected his second award of the night by winning the 'Special Teams MVP' after being the first player to return a kick for a touchdown in 2007.

Defensive MVP - Chris Thacker

Defensive MVP went to linebacker Chris Thacker, who led the team in tackles as well as making the step up as one of the team more vocal leaders.

Tom Tandurella collected Team MVP for his performances on both sides of the ball, playing key roles at wide receiver and cornerback.

Defensive Lineman, Keiron Askew scooped the 'Rookie of the Year Award after some outstanding performances.

Second year player, Shameem Saumtally, won the clubs 'Endeavour Award' for his attitude towards improving all areas of his game.

The final youth awards were presented to offensive tackle Nathan Ryan, first taking the coveted 'Players Player Award'. Ryan, one of the clubs longest serving youth players, was instrumental in the teams development, leading his team through some tough times both in games and in practice. It was the team captains continued effort throughout the year that also saw him collect a second award shortly after, winning the inaugural 'Trojan Award'. An award that will reflect on the clubs history and celebrate a player’s outstanding effort in all areas of the game including gym work, practice and on the field.

Following the on from the Youth Awards, the Phoenix senior team took centre stage. This was a special moment for the programme, marking the rewards of their associate application that will now see the team lineup in Division Two in the upcoming 2008 season.

Rookie running back Chris Sonnestein, took home the 'Offensive Standout' award. Chris was a major factor in the running game for the Phoenix, running hard inside and converting in some tough situations.

Defensive Standout - Mark Noteman

Rookie cornerback Mark Noteman was awarded the 'Defensive Standout' award. Mark took to defense like a duck to water and was a major factor in what became a very stingy defense, tallying 4 interceptions in 3 games.

Both were instrumental in the Phoenix good play during their associate application to become full league members, but none more so than ex-youth team product Steve Gregory, who won the 'Players Player' award after becoming a team captain and major influence within his first year of senior football.

Steve Mills took the final honour of the night, winning the clubs second inaugural award, the 'Founder Members Award'. This award was created to highlight outstanding effort and attitude, and Mills was a shining example during the 2007 associate season, sacrificing time in his preferred position to help out where the team needed.

After the awards were concluded, both teams then sat back to watch the New York Giants make history, beating the New England Patriots at Superbowl XLII 17 to 14.

The Tamworth Phoenix would like to thank the Session Bar for their support and for hosting the event.

For information on this story and more, log onto www.tamworthfootball.com  

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