Belfast Bulls
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Belfast Bulls | |
 |
|
| Founded | 2002 |
| Based in | Belfast |
| Colors | Navy & White |
| League | IAFL |
| Head coach | Rod Thompson |
The Belfast Bulls are an American football team based in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Contents |
[edit] Overview
Coached by HC Rod Thompson, the team was founded in 2002. The Belfast Bulls were formed late in 2002 by Chris Mitchell but in 2007 the team is now led by the combined experience of Head Coach Rod Thompson, Defensive Coaches Mark Helferty and Marty McKeever, Offensive Coaches Paul Orr and John Savage.
Momentum was built as the Bulls won their first 4 matches and established the club as a legitimate future contender for the Shamrock Bowl title - the biggest prize in the IAFL. Although playing 8-a-side rules for the first season, it was clear that their talent and drive were a great base to improve on and achieve playing in the 11-a-side league.
The team's rookie season was 2004 where they progressed to the playoffs and were one game away from appearing in the Bowl. 2005 saw the Bulls step up another gear, becoming League Champions and Shamrock Bowl finalists, narrowly missing out in one of the closest fought games in Bowl history, 2006 had a re-build year and narrowly missed the play-offs.
Our offence features Gareth Millar, Mike Calo, John Savage, Bjorn Blythe and some new talent in addition to possessing one of the biggest and youngest offensive line units in the IAFL. The defence is strong, featuring Mark Helferty, Marty McKeever, Tim Jebb.
[edit] 2006
They competed well in 2006, despite losing some experienced players to various different circumstances. They narrowly lost in Shamrock Bowl final of 2005.
[edit] 2006 Player Awards
- Most Valuable Player - Mike Calo
- Offensive Player Of The Year - Charlie Campalani
- Defensive Player Of The Year - Mark Helferty
- Rookie Of The Year - Tim Jebb
- Most Improved Player - Andy Black
[edit] Season-by-season records
Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties
| Season | W | L | T | Finish | Playoff results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IAFL | |||||
| 2004 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 3rd IAFL | Beaten Semi-Finalists |
| 2005 | 7 | 1 | 0 | IAFL League Champions | Beaten Shamrock Bowl Finalists |
| 2006 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 6th IAFL | -- |
| 2007 | 4 | 3 | 1 | IAFL North Champions | Beaten Semi-Finalists |
| Totals | 19 | 12 | 1 | (2004-2007, excluding playoffs) | |
* = Current Standing
[edit] Coaching Staff
[edit] Current Staff
- Head Coach - Rod Thompson
- Offensive Coordinator - Rod Thompson
- Defensive Coordinator - Chris Millar
- Offensive Line- Paul Orr
- Defensive Line- Marty Mckeever
- Defensive Backs- Mike Scott
- Wide Receivers- Mark Helferty
[edit] Players
[edit] 2006 Roster
|
Quarterbacks
Halfbacks
Fullbacks
Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Tackles
Guards
Centers
Defensive line
|
Linebackers
Defensive backs
|
||||
[edit] 2007 Roster
|
Quarterbacks
Halfbacks
Fullbacks
Receivers
|
Tight Ends
Offensive Line
Defensive line
|
Linebackers
Defensive backs
|
||||
[edit] 2008 Roster
|
Quarterbacks
Fullbacks
|
Tight Ends
Offensive Line
Defensive line
|
Linebackers
Defensive backs
|
||||
[edit] External links
- Belfast Bulls official web site
- Belfast Bulls forums
- IAFL League site
- Irish American Football Scene Forums
| IAFL |
| Belfast Bulls | Carrickfergus Knights | Cork Admirals | Dublin Dragons | Dublin Rebels | Dublin City University Saints | University of Limerick Vikings | North Dublin Marshalls Development teams: Belfast Trojans | Cork Predators | Craigavon Cowboys | Galway Sea Devils | South East Strongbows | Tallaght Outlaws |
