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Archive
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2006-07 In Review
The 2006-07 season was the most successful one experienced to date by the Wellington City Wolves, on both a club and team level. The season started with the debut of the new College team, the Wellington College Wolverines, coached by senior veterans TP Katene and Sam Isaako, who received help from a lot of seniors keen to pass on their knowledge to the young recruits. The Wolverines stormed through the playoffs, not allowing an offensive TD in both games, and won the championship in their first year, beating the HIBS Stallions 34 – 7 to take the cup. The team truly generated some outstanding talent, and with much of the team returning next season, look to continue their success for more on the Wolverines see Game Results, Secondary Schools section or Secondary Schools Program.
With such a fantastic start for the club, the Wolves had high expectations for the senior season. A year removed from the Seven’s experiment, it was still questioned how teams would transition back to the 11-a-side game. The opening weekend result was not a promising one, a 0-0 draw with the Hutt City Spartans, however any consideration that the wolves would be a low scoring team was blown out of the water the following week, with a 34-0 blowout of the Linton Turbines. The game also saw rugby legend Jonah Lomu and radio broadcaster and former Wolf Grant Kereama supporting the Wolves on the sideline.
This win would spark a 5 game winning streak over the rest of the league, and while the team would stumble into the playoffs coming off of two losses, the Wolves were confident that they could progress further into the playoffs than any other Wolves team before them: the Capital Bowl finals. They did just that, defeating the Spartans 18-6 in a thrilling semi-final, to earn their first berth in the finals. They were not able to take out the championship, losing by 14-6 to the Porirua Knights.
The Wolves had tremendous success throughout the season, and this was recognised by the league in appointing Wolves Head Coach Glen “Parkie” Parker as the Wellington representative Coach, and seeing a large contingent of Wolves in the squad. The team’s success was also recognised on an individual level, with Wolves taking out three of the four MVP awards, including rookie (Danny Harper, SS) Defensive (Paddy Blackman, MLB) and Overall (TP Katene, RB). Jose Rangitihi missed out on the Offensive MVP award by a mere one vote.
With the majority of the team returning, as well as a few new recruits, the Wolves hope that the 07-08 season eclipses the success had in the past season, but until then, the Club can be proud of the achievements it has made in the last year. Special thanks must go out to Coach Parkie, Manager/Secretary/everything else Beth Tupara and to the Wolves Committee, who gained new uniforms for the junior and senior clubs and left the club in a very strong position for the upcoming season.
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2005-2006 Prizegiving
February 28, 2006 --
The Wolves held their Prizegiving on Sunday 26 February 2006 at the Fireman's Arms Resturant in Petone.
The club would like to acknowledge Red Bull Energy Drink for their contribution and towards the Prizegiving and support during the season. Also the club would like to thank all those who attended the prizegiving. It was a great day to celebrate the achievements of the individuals who had excelled during the season and as a club as well.
Below are the winners of the six individual player awards for the Premier Team.
2005-2006 Most Valuable Player
Marc Peard, Wide Reciever
2005-2006 Offensive Player of the Year
Kanon Noble, Quarterback
2005-2006 Defensive Player of the Year
Patrcik Blackman, Defensive End
2005-2006 Rookie of the Year
Masaki Manabe, Offensive Guard
2005-2006 Most Improved Player of the Year
Gordon Burns, Defensive Back
2005-2006 Team Player of the Year
Greg Ubiaga, Defensive Back
Wiiliam Anaru, Defensive Back
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NOTICE OF MEETING - AGM POSTPONED
This notice of meeting is to hereby inform you that the Annual General Meeting for the Wellington City Wolves American Football Club HAS BEEN POSTPONED, and will now be held on:
Sunday 18th May 2008
12:00 pm
Jays Bar and Cafe
1 Disraeli Street
Johnsonville
WELLINGTON
We are seeking nominations for the following positions:
COMMITTEE POSITIONS
President
Treasurer
The business of the Annual General Meeting shall be:
a) The Season Review
b) The Financial Report for 2007-08
c) The Junior Co-ordinator's report
d) Election of Member/s to vacant Committee positions
e) Motions to be considered* and
f) General business.
*Motions to be considered include becoming an Incorporated Society and any possible amendments to the Constitution of the Wellington City Wolves American Football Club.
Below are links to the Society's constitution (giving you a general outline of your duties that are required in these positions as a guideline) and the AGM Nomination Form.
If you have any queries or need any further information, please contact me accordingly
Te Puoho Katene
SECRETARY
Wellington City Wolves American Football Club
H: 04-4779233
C: 021-0796859
E: wcwolvesgridiron@gmail.com
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AGM Nomination Form
To nominate someone to the club Committee, please print and complete this form and return it to the Club Secretary by Tuesday 6th May 2008, 5:00pm.
Only Full members of the Society or Associate members of the Society nominated by at least two Full members of the Society may be Committee Members. Each candidate shall be proposed and seconded in writing by two different Full Members and the completed nomination delivered to the Secretary. Follow the instructions provided on the Nomination Form.
Nominations will be posted on the website on Friday 9th May 2008.
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The Constitution of the Wellington City Wolves American Football Club
Please read the constitution which will have the roles of the Committee Members up for nomination.
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AGM this sunday - position nominations
The received nominations for vacant positions on the Wellington City Wolves AFC's committee are as follows:
Club President
William Anaru
Treasurer
Wayne Anderson
These positions will be voted upon at this Sunday's AGM meeting.
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Wolves Hulk Out at Bodybuilding comp!
Congratulations to William Anaru, Patrick Blackman and Jose Walters-Rangitihi, who competed in a regional bodybuilding competition over Labour Weekend. As you can see they were in great shape!
It took a lot of 5:30am starts, low carb meals of tuna, and a LOT of protein shakes. Awesome work guys, hard work really pays off, you've done the Pack and yourselfs proud!!
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TURBINES GAME RAINED OUT
On what seemed a perfect day for football, the Wolves were downed by an opponent they could hardly have believed: rain.
Although the sun was shining and the weather was perfect, rain throughout the week had left Harcourt Werry Park waterlogged, and the Lower Hutt City Council informed the team of their decision to close it only minutes before kickoff.
This was an unfortunate situation for the Wolves, who had turned up in force, primed and ready to start the season with a bang. Even more so for the Linton Turbines, who made their 1 hr 30 min trip down to be told of the decision.
Not to be dissuaded, the Wolves invited the Turbines back to their training field at Robert St Park, to have a live scrimmage. Keen to get some contact in, the Turbines accepted, and it was Game On.
With only 14 players, the Turbines played well iin the scrimmage, their preseason game experience showing against the rusty Wolves offense. Under a hot sun, it took several drives before the scoring ledger was underway, a bulldozing 18 yard touchdown run by RB TP Katene. The Turbines responded with a long-range 40 yard touchdown pass, the first points scored by the Turbines in their history of playing the Wolves. With the Ledger square, the scrimmage finished with a bit of controversy, another 12 yard touchdown run by Katene nullified after it was ruled he fumbled the ball in the end zone (you can't fumble in the endzone - once you break the line the touchdown is scored). To make extra sure, the offense punched it in on the next play on a well executed sweep play, in which OG Joe Noble lay the key block.
It was a frustrating day for the Wolves, showing a lot of work was needed to get back to their high standard of play. With many new players this year, the experience will be beneficial for this week's clash against the rival Hutt City Spartans.
Player of the Day Awards
Juggernaut (biggest hit) - Kepa Blackman
Defensive MVP - Darren "Fish" Kippen
Lineman of the day - Masaki Manabe
Offensive MVP - Steve "The Greek" Dimakis
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Wolves Conquer Sparta!
The Wolves started their season in spectacular fashion on Saturday, defeating the Protein Cookie Spartans by 28 - 26 in a hard fought battle that went down to the wire. After some crucial calls did not go the Wolves' way in the 1st half, the two teams exchanged the lead a number of times, with the Spartans scoring a long range touchdown with less than 2 minutes to go to put them up by 4 points. However, the Wolves took the lead for good with only seconds remaining, on a miracle 40 yard catch and run by Jose Rangitihi-Walters.
The scoring started in dramatic fashion, with the Wolves' defense recording a Safety, linebacker Jason "Zangief" Yorston tackling the Spartans ball carrier in his own endzone to put the Wolves up 2 - 0. Shortly after, on a deep punt by Steve "The Greek" Dimakis , the Spartans returner failed to hold onto the ball, allowing 17 year old linebacker Darren "Fish" Kippen to dive on it in the endzone for a touchdown in his first game of football. With the Wolves leading 8 - 0, a long pass saw Kanon Noble find his favourite target, Jason Love, for a touchdown, Wolves up 14 - 0. The joy was short-lived however, as the extra point attempt was blocked by the Spartans and returned the length of the field to give them 2 points.
This started a bad spell for the Wolves, who went on to allow 2 touchdowns, and see their star WR JLo ejected from the game following two controversial penalties for taunting. The Wolves headed into halftime with an even playing field, 14 - 14.
The second half saw more of the same. With neither team running the ball effectively, the Spartans drew first blood with a passing TD. The Wolves took their response down to the wire, sustaining a long drive to score a short yardage touchdown run by RB John Tanner. This, plus a successful pass to TE Mike Johnson (AKA Bobby Boucher), gave the Wolves a 22 - 20 advantage late in the 4th quarter. Any jubilation was cut short, as the Spartans connected on a 60 yard bomb to take the lead, seemingly for good. Following a 4 and out by the Wolves offense, the Spartans came out to seal the game with a series of kneel-downs. Unfortunately for them, the Wolves were able to get the ball back one more time.
The Wolves' offense, which had been mostly ineffective the entire game, had 51 seconds to drive 70 yards. Obviously, the Wolves had saved the best for last. The first play was a 30 yard strike to TE Johnson, after which, with the clock ticking down, Coach Laulau went to his bag of tricks. The play saw RB TP Katene take a short backwards pitch, and, as the Spartans Defense bore down on him to end the game, Katene slinged a pass 12 yards downfield to fellow RB Jose Rangitihi. Jose took the pass and proceeded to make defenders miss as he ran the ball down the sideline, QB Kanon Noble leading the way, the final 30 yards to score a miracle touchdown with only seconds remaining. The Spartans, shocked into silence, could only watch as their kick returner was dragged down and the final whistle knelled, 28 - 26.
Offensive MVP Kanon Noble, QB #2
Defensive MVP Darren Kippen, LB #52
Lineman of the Day Sam Isa'ako, OG #69
The Juggernaut Andrew Castle, LB #56
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Wolves defeat Giants, move to 2-0
Wolves defeat Giants for second win
The Wolves won their second straight game, defeating the Porirua Giants 28 – 22. In a game marred by penalties, the Wolves came out firing in the 1st half with four touchdowns, including two passes from QB Kanon Noble to WR Jason Love, a highlight reel run by RB Jose Rangitihi, and a defensive touchdown on the very first play by 17 year old rookie Darren Kippen. The Giants shortened the lead to 6 in the second half, and came within 15 yards of winning the game, but the Wolves defense stopped them to win the game.
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WOLVES GET TOGETHER THIS SATURDAY 13/09
Reminder that we have a get together tomorrow at Johnsonville Rugby Club at 3pm. There will be a BBQ and bar to purchase drinks. This will be an awesome time to get to know everyone, so bring the friends and family and come enjoy a day with the wolves.
What: Wolves Day get-together
When: Saturday 13th September, from 3pm onwards
Where: Johnsonville Rugby Club (Helston Park), Helston Road, Newlands
What to bring: Your whanau and friends!
Below is a link with directions to the park.
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&dq=johnsonville+rugby+club&daddr=80+Helston+Road,+Paparangi,+Wellington+6037&geocode=4009530787215556896,-41.219013,174.813032&f=d&ll=-41.217343,174.815773&spn=0.00209,0.0039&t=h&z=18
See you guys there
El presidente Cuntree
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A big thank you from the Wolves
Thanks to Mike Williams, of All Bumper Repairs Ltd, for his outstanding job on repainting the Wolves helmets. Mike did this job for only a donation, and his high quality, professional standard will have the Wolves looking fantastic on the field this year!
Thanks Mike!
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Here's a few photos from the Wolves fundraising hangi 25/7!
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HANGI A GREAT SUCCESS!
The Wolves first Hangi was a great success on Friday, selling out in only two days, with over hangi packs sold and over 100 unfortunately turned away.
The true hard work took place on Thursay night, with a dozen Wolves players rolling their sleeves up and preparing the food packets for the next day's hangi. starting at 6:00pm, some members did not leave the kitchen till 12:30am the next morning.
The morning started a mere 4 hours later when the hangi pit was lit, and the hangi baskets laid in the heated pit at 7:15am, when most of us are getting up for breakfast! The Hangi would cook for 3 1/2 hours before the pit was opened and out came, amongst all the steam, what we had toiled so long over. The 300 packs were quickly packaged and stowed away in cars, and two deliverymen drove around the CBD to deliver the kai. It wasn't until 3:30pm on the Friday, 21 hours after the start of the work, that everything was finished.
A huge thank you must go to the core organisers of the event, William Anaru and Keepa Blackman, and for all the Wolves players and whanau who helped with the preparation, selling, delivery and support. In particular, Will and Tipene Anaru, Keepa and Isabelle Blackman, Tamihana Katene and Estelle Richards (and her awesome whanau for their fried bread!), and Masaki Manabe, who led all sellers with 37 hangis sold.
A truly amazing job guys, hard work really pays off (to the tune of roughly $1700 fundraised from this event!). This money will go a long way to help pay for equipment and resources essential to playing our sport. Thanks all, and mean Maori Language Week mean!
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WOLVES HOLDING A HANGI
In order to celebrate Maori Language Week, the local gridiron team, the Wellington City Wolves, are putting on a delicious Hangi on Friday 25th July!
They are $10 each and the contents are Pork, Chicken, Lamb, Potatoes, Kumara, Pumpkin, Mixed Vegetables and Stuffing, as well as a complimentary fried bread.
If you would like to place an order, please email Wellington City Wolves. Large orders can be delivered, or pickup points can be negotiated.
Note there a limited number of Hangi packs available; be quick as these will sell in no time!! $10 to be paid by Tuesday 22nd.
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Dreams of Capital Bowl glory falls short
February 24, 2008 --
Head Coach Glen "Parkie" Parker has been there before. So too has veteran quarterback Kanon Noble. The feeling is all too familiar. The Wolves premier team who had beaten all odds to make it to AFW's ultimate game now had to prove to themselves that they can win Capital Bowl XVIII and take home the ultimate prize in AFW - the HORST MACZUGA TROPHY.
In the dying minutes of the game and the Wolves having possession inside the Knights redzone, down 18-20 the dreams of being called Capital Bowl champions were so close. All it had to take was one play to cross the endzone. One play to break the silence and shut the coffin on the oppontents and all of their critics. Interception! The Wolves went for the juggler, always taking the risk but fell short as Kanon's pass to Jason Love was intercepted. The Knights took over possession and quickly marched the field and running back Sturat Afamasaga scampered into the Wolves endzone for the touchdown taking them close to victory. With a successful 2-point conversion, the Knights were now up 28-18.
However, there was still time left. Anything could happen in the 4th quarter as the old football cliche goes. The Wolves had to score fast... twice. Kanon Noble who had played well during the game and despite getting constant pressure from the Knights rushing defense, he took the Wolves down inside Knights redzone again. All too familiar! The pressure was on, but Kanon felt calm and confident. It was now or never and with little time left, he and his valiant Wolves had to go to the house. Looking for his favourite target, WR Jason Love, Kanon threw the ball in Jason's direction but misjudged the Knights coverage and another pass was picked off inside their endzone. It was over. The dream was gone.
The Wolves had nothing to be disappointed about. The Wolves may not have won the championship but they are still champions in the manner they displayed on and off the field. The Wolves were so close and with so many game-clutch players like Jose Walters-Rangitihi, Jason Love, Patrick Blackman and TP Katene, there was definitely a chance to make it through. But the day was not meant to be. The day and the game belonged to the Knights.
All-rounder Jason Love showed why he is the best wide receiver in AFW scoring two touchdowns in the game, including a 84-yard scamper against a strong Knights defense. His two apiece took his touchdown tally to 13. Young and exciting rookie wide reciever, Jamie McKay was the perfect compliment to Jason Love grinding it out with his safe and sure hands, making positive yards when it was needed. Canadian Collin Crabbe was ever present with his precise route running and glue-stick hands. His leadership and experience really rubbed off on his offensive team mates when times were really down.
Jose Walters-Rangitihi, Alex Leulu and TP Katene really worked hard in the backfield. Against a bigger and aggresive Knights defensive line, they came up with the yards when it seemed not to be there at all. Jose as dangerous as he has been all season came up big in the fourth quarter when he caught a swing pass from Kanon Noble and steamrolled his way into the endzone for the score which reduced the scoring margin between them and the Knights.
The defense had a hard day in the office as expected. Against a Knights rushing attack that included Johnny Sola, the Wolves defensive pack knew they had their hands full. Brothers Keepa and Patrick Blackman were solid in all areas of the gridiron. So too was rookie Ben Jones who had a fumble recovery late in the fourth quarter. TP Katene and Jason Love played exceptionally well in the backfield. Jason made plays when it was counted, with two interceptions and a forced fumble. The Wolves defense achilles was the inconsistency in open field tackling and containing a very quick Knights rushing attack.
The Wolves were well supported by families and friends and without their support and encouragement, making it this far, to the Capital Bowl would not have been possible.
Acknowledgment must be made to head coach Parkie for his coaching and leadership. A "players coach", Parkie worked hard during the season to ensure the chemistry was right and against all odds, they made the game that counted the most. Though falling short, coach Parkie was very proud of his boys as he mentioned in his spirited speech in the After-match formalities. TP Katene a player, team manager and committee member, also has worked hard to ensure the team had everything provided. Without his relentless determination, the team nor the club would not have been as structured as it is today. The Wolves would like to thank all their wives, partners, children, families and friends for their endless support during the season and a fantastic green/orange support on Capital Bowl day. It was surely a sight to remember.
Congratulations to the Porirua Knights for the game and for their achievement being Capital Bowl XVIII champions. We look forward to continue the great relationship on the field next season.
The Wolves would also like to thank the AFW Executive Committee and all other AFW Club members for their work during the season and making the Capital Bowl event a delightful event to be part of.
The pack will be back in 2009! We promise you!!
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