The Coventry Jets brought their season to a close on Friday evening as they held their annual awards night at the Sphinx. For the first time the Jets were joined by the Senior Flag and Junior Kitted teams as the clubs came together to celebrate a tremendous year which saw the Jets make their fifth straight end of season bowl.
Flag Head Coach and 2009 British American Football Coaches Association Flag Coach of the Year, Andrew Gambrill, dished out the awards for his non-contact team. Gemma Eaton received a special award for her tremendous behind the scenes work with Matt 'Boom Boom' Consadine scooping the Rookie of the Year award. Last year's joint winner of the rookie award, Steve Timmins, was on hand to take the prized honour of Player's Player with Shadrach McCook taking the Coach's Award.
Youth Contact Head, Dave Cowen, took over proceedings to announce the awards for Coventry's debut season in the Junior Kitted league. Sean Hanlon picked up the offensive plaudits with senior team prospect TJ ? taking home the defensive gong. Head Coach Lou Barnes named Paul Romaniuk his choice for player of the year with Sam Knight named the inaugural Academy Player of the Year.
Finally Gerry McManus stepped forward to handover the awards for the Britbowl XXIII runners-up. Parm Sidhu was a deserving winner of the prestigious Presidents Award which is annually handed over for behind the scenes efforts. Last year's recipient, Adam Etheridge, commented that Sidhu was "a more than worthy winner. He provided the impetuous for the club this year and kept us moving forward when we were struggling. 2009 was our most difficult season to date and I on occasion I felt like giving up but Parm was always there to pick us up and carry us through".
Etheridge himself was then presented with an inscribed tankard for his service to the club over it's six year existence. Youth team graduate Andy McKenzie took the Rookie award with Wayne Gumbs named most improved player. Paul Rickhuss took the plaudits as Lineman of the Year with fellow lineman Adam O'Reilly receiving the coveted Player's Player award, cornerback Adam Biggs led the tributes "he turns up at every training session, always does what asked of him and goes both ways when needed. He's a player that should be aspired to".
Defensive Co-ordinator Rowelle Blenman couldn't single out a single member of his unit as they'd all performed at the highest level. Defensive Captain Frank Herlihy stepped forward to accept the award on behalf of the entire defense and delivered a rousing speech in tribute to his team-mates. Mark Cohen gathered the Offensive Player of the Year award and once again announced his retirement leaving the Jets with a huge hole to plug at wide receiver.
McManus announced Jeremy Simms as winner of his player of the year award before being the recipient of an unexpected honour. The legendary Coach became one of the first inductees into the Coventry American Football Hall of Fame. McManus was named alongside former Coventry Bears team-mate James O'Grady who was also on hand. The two have been involved in the game together since the 80s and were delighted to receive the distinction of becoming the first two inductees.
Whilst the senior team now take a well earned break the Juniors and the Senior Flag team will continue to train throughout the winter. For more information on getting involved visit the clubs website www.cassidyjets.com.