UTS Gridiron

Following the recent world games held in Germany, UTS Gridiron Wide Receiver, Patrick Raveloson, has been voted the best American Football player in Australia. That’s right - the IFAF World Games 2005 Tournament Committee named Patrick Raveloson the Australian Team MVP. He has also been selected for the IFAF World Games Tournament All Star Team. This is a amazing achievement, and a landmark for Australian gridiron. Patrick, more commonly known as “Zee” by his team mates, is renowned around the league for speed, leaping ability and amazing athletic catches. He only seems to get better every time he steps on the field. Congratulations Zee, you’ve made us very proud!

The 2005 NFL season is rapidly approaching. Who knows what’s in store this year, Ricky’s back at Miami, Randy’s gone to the Raiders, who knows what else will transpire before the season gets underway. If you are interested in joining the Serendipity Challenge (NFL Tipping Comp), please contact club president, Matt Steel. Cost is only $20 for the year with weekly prize money up for grabs.

UTS players, Nigel Law, Matt Steel and Patrick Raveloson went to Germany this June for the 2005 World Games. Former UTS head coach, Paul Manera, was also present as the Head Coach for the Australian Outback squad. In game one, The Outback went down 31 - 0 to home team Germany. In their final match at the Outback were defeated by France 14 - 0. While the losses were disappointing, the UTS boys played extremely well, and had a lot of fun in the process. Making a special guest appearance was the original founder of UTS Gridiron, Thomas Wheelock, who currently resides in England. See below for some photos. <<photo>>

UTS Gridiron player Lucas Marquardt has been selected to tour New Zealand with the Australian Deaf Rugby Union squad in August. He was also a member of the NSW Wolfpack, who won the national championship last March. When he’s not making big hits for UTS on the gridiron field, he’s playing rugby for Randwick.

Lucas knows what it’s like to have a handicap that limits your potential in many aspects of life. A childhood accident left him with significant hearing loss in both ears. He was about five when a neighbour found an aerosol horn and blew it in his face. His ears were ringing for about a week. Lucas views his hearing impairment as a “special challenge” rather than as a limitation.

Congrats Lucas!

Division One players - get ready! The 2005 pre-season is almost upon us, and we have a list of upcoming events available for you.

Saturday, 9th July
We have registration/flag day from 10:00 - 12:00 at Goddard Park, Gipps Street, Concord. (Right next to our new home ground at St Luke’s Park.) All players must attend to be registered for the upcoming season. Bring your boots and a change of clothes for flag football.

Saturday, 16th July
There will be the Spit Bridge Walk from 8:30am. More details coming shortly.

Tuesday, 19th July
Our first regular practice begins at our new training ground, St Lukes Park, Stanley Street, Concord. The times for evening practices will be 8:00pm - 10:00pm. Bring your boots and a change of clothes.

We look forward to seeing you there!

This is the first time UTS Gridiron are holding a workshop. It is designed to bring everyone together, announce plans for the year ahead, and go through a few scenarios.

Date: Saturday, 25th June 2005.
Venue: UTS City Campus, Broadway, Ultimo
Rooms: Meet in the foyer
Time: 9am to 5pm

The new (and improved) training ground for the 2005 Division One season is St Luke’s Park, Concord. It’s just around the corner from our old training ground, Arthur Walker Reserve. Parking is available on Stanley Street and Gipps Street, Concord. It’s just off Parramatta Road. Click here for an updated map.

Congratulations to Andrew Douglas, who takes over the Head Coaching position. Andrew was the offensive coordinator for the 2004 Division One squad. Ese Enari will resume his role as defensive coordinator. Wayne Richardson will be the defensive assistant, and Andy Bryce and John Roe will be the offensive assistants. There is a wealth of experience amongst these names, and UTS is very fortunate to have them run the team.

The Division One 2005 season is fast approaching. Over the offseason the UTS executive has been working extremely hard to organise what will be a very exciting year ahead. If you have any questions regarding the upcoming season, please don’t hesitate to contact club president, Matt Steel via email or phone.

The final selection for the Australian Outback Senior Touring Squad for 2005 include four UTS players and one UTS coach. The following people will be part of the 2005 world games in Germany: OL Daniel O’Connor, OL Nigel Law, OL Matt Steel, WR Patrick Raveloson, Coach Paul Manera. Congratulations and good luck!