Romans new coaching line up
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BAFL 2,
Chester Romans
By Simon Tailor
Feb 27, 2009 - 10:00:03 AM
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Romans new coaching line up
The Chester Romans American Football club have made a series of coaching moves after a disappointing 2008 season, new head Coach Alan Winters made two positive appointments when he became head coach, one choosing Eric Horstman to oversee the offence, the other was installing Jason Smith to oversee the defense.
Jason Smith has moved from last season’s BAFL2 North Champions, the (8-2) Merseyside Nighthawks taking the short journey down the M53 to Chester. Jason brings with him a wealth of experience and was part of a team that rebuilt from winless basement dwellers to champions in three seasons, a lot of the credit for the success and turnaround at the Nighthawks must go to the coaches, backroom staff and their new form of coaching and ability to highly motivate their players. With that in mind the Romans are glad to have Jason as part of their set up for 2009.
Jason Originally got into watching the sport in 1980’s whilst in the British Army, he soon found out that he was a minority supporter amongst his fellow service men. Jason played numerous sports whilst in the Army but it wasn’t until he left that he got the chance to play American football in 2001. Jason saw that his local team the Merseyside Nighthawks were recruiting via a flyer and thought he would give it a try and help keep fit in the process. Jason enjoyed the sport and took to the game well playing on the defensive line.
After several years in the game age and injuries took their toll and Jason gave up playing in favour of coaching in 2004. Starting as an assistant coach for the Nighthawks which involved training up rookies and then moved up to be special teams coach and assistant head coach at Merseyside, cumulating in last season’s conference winning season.
Coach Winters appointed Smith as defensive co-ordinator after he contacted the Romans. Smith sees a lot of similarities in the Romans last season and the Nighthawks he started coaching, both ended up 0-10. Smith has spotted potential in players and has a four year plan in mind which he hopes will challenge the players at all levels, improving them as individuals and as a team. Smith also hopes to take them to a level where they will be recognised as potential Great Britain players. “I’m looking forward to working with the coaches and players in this forthcoming season and looking forward to a new era for the Chester Romans.” said Smith.
The Romans continue their pre-season training on Sunday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Frodsham Leisure Centre, Frodsham, Cheshire before returning to their home at Chester Rugby Club the following Sunday.