One could not have been more impressed with the improving Baltimore Washington Eagles in 2007 as they set their goals high and went close to having a Cinderella 'esk season. The Eagles success for insiders may not have been surprising, but for others talk about challenging the likes of USAFL heavyweights in Denver and San Diego seemed just that. Talk.

The Eagles recently announced their search for a new coach for 2008 as Matty Bishop stands aside with an uncertain work career path ahead. But with many experienced players including several Revolution players that are already making a positive impact on the club Co Vice President David Schall was not too concerned. "We are confident even if the search doesn't find a suitible replacement for Matty who was wonderful for us, that we have other options. This  will ensure we will be very competitive throughout 2008 and again in Division 1 at the National Championships." David told USFootyNews this week.

It seems if you thought the Eagles might be satisfied with their 2007, you may want to think again.

The Eagles have probably one of the most extensive plans for any club in the USA in 2008 which will begin with their local non-contact community Oz Ball competition in March and lead into early games at the proposed Fort Lauderdale tournament in April. There they might encounter teams the likes of New York, Atlanta, Florida and perhaps even Denver and San Diego.

Following that event the Eagles roll back into local Metro games and once a month EAFL games where they were league champions in 2007. USFootyNews asked Dave Schall was there a turning point in 2007 that spurred the club onto their success and their rise to be now ranked the 3rd best team in the country? "We had a great 2007 there is no doubt but after beating old adversaries Boston we traveled with confidence to New York and on their home turf had the biggest win perhaps since 99 when I started with the club" Schall said as if it was last week."We had quality coaching all year, a very committed group of players that were hungry for the game and willing to learn" he added.

In 2008 not only are the Eagles looking for more success but they will move forward with virtually a brand new committee. For some clubs this would be a reason to take stock and sit back but not according to Dave Schall. "We have been lucky to have many solid contributors off the field over the years. From Denis Ryan to Rob Brunton who has stepped down this year as President the club has had many great leaders that remain within the club and still working on developing the club." Schall himself has seen it all having first joined the club in 1999 he is still as excited as ever about the clubs future but is now happy to see younger people with just as much enthusiasm to take over and move the club further forward.

The club is also looking at building their new women's team "The First Lady Eagles". "We had just two players go to the Nationals to play in 2006 and then had nine in Louisville in 2007 combining with Calgary. In 2008 we want to take a full team. Importantly also nearly all those players came through our local Oz Ball competition" Schall said.

This is another way the Eagles look to grow the sport locally. With Co-ed games in pre and post season time periods there are not many weeks the Baltimore Washington team are not out playing or training. The Eagles women's team  is looking to play their first "full" game in 2008 and go to the Nationals in Colorado Springs ready to take on all-comers.

The final word might be Schalls' perspective already about those Nationals in October. "We know Denver will be in the prime seat for that tournament with the higher altitude conditions but everyone else will be on a level playing field and that's where we plan to excel." Schall said very confidently. If they get a chance at Denver or San Diego again before or in October you can be assured the Eagles are not going to leave anything in locker room.

So it might might have been just "talk" in the past but its gone way past that now. The Eagles are ready to do more than talk about winning it all. They can taste it already.

Be first to comment this article

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved