Hurricanes Preparing for New Season

(28/06/09)

The University of Hertfordshire Hurricanes American Football Team has a strong tradition at the University of Hertfordshire, and they are preparing to uphold that tradition already.

Do you feel ready to be a part of that tradition?

The Hurricanes compete in BUAFL (British Universities American Football League) and last season narrowly lost to Southampton in the National quarter finals. The Hurricanes are looking to do better this season and adding to the record breaking 4 National Championships.

The "TEAM" is far more than players. The Cheerleading squad is a very successful team in its own right. We have a dedicated team of helpers to provide support on game day from camera crew to chain crew, and medical staff who keep everyone healthy. Anyone who wishes to join these parts of the team are always welcome. And the experience gained can be invaluable for future job prospects.

Most 1st year players have never even seen the game before, let alone played it. But with two GB international coaches, along with several other excellent coaches (including 2 current GB international players), dedicated players can soon learn the techniques and tactics required for the sport.

In fact many players from the Hurricanes team have gone onto great success in American football. From last year's team:

Fred Boyle, Fabrizio Gargiulo, Leslie Wilson, Stephen Gregory & Issam  Affoury all featured in the GB international team.

Fred Boyle, Fabrizio Gargiulo, Issam Affoury, Daniel Donker, Ed Tate, Gbenga Brown, Stephen Gregory & Leslie Wilson all were selected to the annual North vs South game
  
Fabrizio Gargiulo  & Leslie Wilson were selected for the NFL International trials

Michael Wayans managed an unprecedented walk on spot with the Oklahoma Sooners NCAA div 1 team for the 08/09 season. Michael was on a year exchange program with Oklahoma University, one of the University of Hertfordshire's partners in the USA. After being turned away 4 times Michael finally managed to get a try out for the team, and managed to secure a coveted walk on spot.


Many of the Hurricanes players are also making their mark in BAFL (British American football league) and other European leagues. And the top two BAFL teams the London Blitz and the Coventry Jets both have a Hurricanes Quarterbacks as the starting Quarterback (Blitz - Fred Boyle, Jets - Ed Tate), which is a testament to the ability of Head Coach and quarterback specialist Jim Messenger.

Of course all this success does not come easy, it requires dedication and commitment. But with the Universities state of the art facilities, and the strong family bond within the team, it is a great experience and not a chore.

"I have no doubt in the friendships made on the team throughout my time as a hurricane - they shall last forever. Thank you very much too all the coaches who have pushed me onto great things within this sport, but none compare to the feelings of unity I get playing alongside my fellow hurricanes."
Fabrizio Gargiulo - GB International, Hertfordshire Hurricane defensive player of the year, London Blitz, NFL International Trialist

"What I have learnt from being on this team will be with me for the rest of my life and I thank you all.  It has been the best 5 years of my life.  I will never forget any of you."
Issam Affoury - GB International, Hertfordshire Hurricane Player of the year 3 times, London Olympian.

"I never really understood the whole team sport thing, I've always played solo sports but I thought I'd give it a go, after recommendations from previous players I decided to give it a shot and I have loved every minute of it"
Luke Hill 1st year player

"What a Ride! Honestly at the start of the year when I joined the hurricanes, I didn't know what to expect, whether it would be a worthwhile experience or just distract me from my studies so that I would fail my final year. However after coming through the season like we did, I would just to say THANKS to everyone involved with the hurricanes for an amazing year. I now firmly have the American football bug"
Scott Hillcoat 1st year player joined us in final year

email: hc@hurricanes.org.uk for information