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Welcome to the official website of the Wellington City Wolves American Football Club. We are an affiliated member of American Football Wellington. We are based in the city of Wellington, New Zealand.
Our club is always looking for players, coaches, supporters, sponsors, and administrators. Contact us if you want to be involved. All correspondence please send to Wellington City Wolves American Football Club, C/o - Club President, at wcwolvesgridiron@gmail.com.
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
WOLVES VS SPARTANS this weekend!
WHAT: WOLVES vs Hutt City Spartans
WHERE: Harcourt Werry Park, Avalon
WHEN: 1PM, Saturday November 15th 2008
Come and support the Wolfpack in their game this week against Rivals Hutt City Spartans!
The Wolves and Spartans have met 8 times, with the Wolves winning the last two matches against them. The the Wolves lead the series with 4 wins, 2 losses, and two draws, including a narrow 2 point win in the playoffs last year; the second season in a row the Wolves knocked the Spartans out of semis!
In a matchup of the two most prepared football teams in the AFW, this one should be fun to watch!
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
SEASON OPENS THIS SATURDAY!!
The training is over, the gloves are off, its that time of year again folks.
Football time!!
The 2008/09 season is ready to kick off for the Wellington City Wolves, with their season opening game vs the Soldiers themselves, the Linton Turbines.
The Wolves have never lost to this franchise, and the last game was a decisive 43 point victory, however memories are short on the Gridiron; if we get caught resting on past laurels, the Turbines may cause the upset victory!
Come one, come all! Support your local gridiron club as we start a new season, coming together to hunt as a Wolfpack!
what: WOLVES vs TURBINES
when: Saturday 8th November, 1PM KICKOFF
where: Harcourt Werry Park, Avalon (see "Directions" to the left of your screen)
COME RUN WITH THE PACK!!
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!!
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Jose Walters-Rangitihi
That's right, player profiles are back!!
We're kicking off the Countdown to the season with a few introductions to some of the key members of the Wolves!
Jose Walters-Rangitihi, RB
5'11", 220lb
Nickname: The Barbarian, The Mexican
NFL player comparison: Marion Barber
Achievements:
Wellington Storm: 2005, 2008
Wolves Offensive MVP, 2007
Jose emerged as THE game-breaking RB for the Wolves last season, combining an uncanny agility for a man his size with a mindset to punish would-be tacklers for even thinking about bringing him down. In a season that saw him shoulder more responsibility on offense, Jose definitely responded, breaking off long TD run after long TD run.
Equally effective in between the tackles as catching passes in the flats, Jose proved a one man wrecking ball for opposing defenses, and it was very hard to focus on any single aspect of his game.
Jose has played for a number of seasons, and truly stood out as a leader of the Wolfpack in 2007-08. With hard offseason work, Jose has trimmed 20kg off of his frame while adding large amounts of muscle, as he and other Wolves members prepare to compete in a bodybuilding competition this October. It also puts him in a perfect position to take the top spot for RBs in the AFW, adding strength while gaining quickness.
Jose is engaged to his longtime partner Natasha Barry. In a move that shocked many, he turned up for training this year without his trademark dreadlocks, as he is growing some more for the big day!
THREE WEEKS TO GO!!
The Wolves are training hard in anticipation of their first game of the season, coming up on November 8th 2008 .
This leaves just 6 trainings to go before our first bout, and the excitement is obvious among the team. Welcoming along new players as well as returning veterans, the Wolves boast a good mix of youth and experience.
Returning offense stars include QB Kanon Noble, also known as Brett Favre's older brother, and RB Jose Rangitihi-Walters, while the defense boasts a stout front seven with the Uawa Nasties (Paddy & Keepa Blackman) ever present, and the return of several veterans, who will remain unnamed for the moment, that hope to push this already great D to the top.
Defensive Coordinator Tama Te Huki, fresh off his appearance on TV3's "AFTERSHOCK", has gotten his green machine Defense hungry and hunting.
One very promising aspect is the amount of under 19 players currently training with the team. From a range of schools inside the Wellington city zone, over a dozen juniors have been going hit for hit with the seniors with full intention of stepping up and playing for our senior team.
The Wolves are very excited about the upcoming season, it looks like the Pack are on the hunt again...
WOLVES BACK ON!!
Hey Guys,
The Wolves are back on. Trainings are on:
Mondays and Wednesdays at Robert St Park in Newlands at 6:30pm
Trainings will be on rain or shine. Bring cleats.
We have changed fields. This new training field has lights, clubrooms and is never closed! Thanks to Johnsonville Rugby Club for letting us use it.
Anyone interested in playing is invited to come along. No experience or gear is required apart from boots and mouthguards. Come run with the Pack!
For further information feel free to contact the Wolves
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
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!
Here's a few photos from the Wolves fundraising hangi 25/7!
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!
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.
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!!
Upcoming Wolves Premier Games
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For a complete schedule listing, click here!
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