Is the city of Hull jinxed..? Maybe! Senior football again failed to materialise into more than a 3 game wonder.
The Kingston Barbarians had the right idea and plenty of time to prepare but unfortunately the lack of money let them down...but I want to add that in no way was it Pete Scorah's fault. Pete did a good job but was let down by a few who I wont mention because they'll get a bit pissed at me like last time.But it seems to me like everytime they get involved the whole dream goes tits up..!! Pete I admire your courage in trying to continue it and I stand by you if you wanna do it all again in 2002, but you must be well skint!!
The Barbs had the player base which was more than we had at the Rockets in 1998 but in the same situation the cash flow was low. I've heard comments that I spent the 1998 money myself.....MMMMM!! I had a £16000 car and a good job...The fact of the matter was I was running both Senior and Youth teams at once, on my own,at the age of 24. No one helped only took! I had to spread the money £800 between both youth and Senior. The kids turned up to training more than the adults and to me the grassroots of the game needs protecting! So I did.
The Question has been raised time and time again as the Hull Rockets throughout last season were not happy with BYAFA.
BYAFA in the opinion of the Rockets have not done enough for the Teams in 1999 or 2000 and not got any new teams back into the league. Also high travel costs because of the fixtures and lack of teams have caused the Rockets concern.
The Final straw came when the Hull side were not allowed to play in the Plate playoffs because of the rule of any conceeded games.Which caused Rockets Owner Chris Whiteley to make a contraversial statement. This promted outrage in some areas and it looked as if the Rockets would be thrown out of BYAFA.
The Rockets do feel as though they have been let down by BYAFA and that it maybe best to leave a sinking ship before it goes down fully. The indecision of BYAFA over the NFL 5-on-5 football is also causing concern as a choice should have been made by now! Which is now in force.
The issue of the NFL Non Contact version is going to cause a split in BYAFA with some going one way and the other teams going the other. We as the Rockets fully support the NFL 5-on-5 version and will play 9 a-side if it arises again!
Former Quarterback Gary Dougal won a trip to the Redskins training camp from Hull Radio Station 96.9 Viking FM. All expenses trip + £200 spending money. Well done Gaz you know were I am if you want someone to go with!
Hull Rockets (ages 8 – 18) linebacker , Paul Weston (15), played for the Great Britain Knights during the weekend in the European Junior American Football Championships. Paul was named Most Valuable Player in the Final which saw the GB side lose to Holland 6 – 0 in overtime.
The Rockets star was bitterly disappointed in losing the final as to some controversy in the deciding score but is looking to the future as the Rockets prepare for an NFL Tournament this Sunday. Rockets Head Coach, Chris Whiteley, said “Paul has played well all season but his performance for his country was excellent. He is a credit to this club and Hull”.
The Rockets star showed the Dutch that they may have taken the game,even with one extra man on the field, but they never took the British pride as he paraded the Union Jack to thunderous applause from the home crowd!!
Rockets Safety, Paul Weston ,will be playing for the Great Britain Knights in the European American Football Championships for the second year.
Hull's Head Coach Chris Whiteley said, "Paul has done well to get in again. He has improved by 100% this season and has contributed to the team in a positive way. He was ranked 3rd in interceptions this season and has made alot of great tackles".
Paul (14) will be playing LB for the Knights ,who in my opinion should win the Championship in Brighton during the August bank holiday.
The '99 Team has shown great potential this season finishing 2 - 4 and has ,as far as I'm aware gained some respect on the field in improving from last seasons dismal 0 -6 record. QB Rich Brookes had a better year because a reformed Offensive line and a strong running game. Phil Kemp (RB) did the business out of the backfield and proved this in the 20 - 0 victory over Steel City Warriors in Week 5. WR Dean Anderson also improved as he got the delivery from QB Rich Brookes and also some playing time on Defense. Dean who played for the Great Britain Knights in 1998 ,in his rookie season, remains the Rockets best player with Coach Chris Whiteley making sure the Wide out remains with the Rockets.
