UNSW Raiders GridIron - Latest News
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Coaches Profile – Mark Medrano

– Posted on May 30, 2018Posted in: Coaching, Colts, Mens Gridiron

UNSW RAIDERS OFFENSIVE CO-ORDINATOR – The UNSW Raiders are very pleased to announce that Mark Medrano will be the Offensive Co-Ordinator for both the Men’s and Colt’s teams for the 2018 season.

Mark grew up playing Pop Warner football at the age of 8, his father was his coach for the first 5 years and was his influence to be a coach later in life.  Football was Mark’s focus in High School, and, being a quarterback he learned that he enjoyed being a leader and leading by example.  He decided to go to a smaller Division 2 College to play QB at Sonoma State University in Northern California.

It was then that he changed to the position of running back and developed a deep relationship with the weight room! He graduated with a degree in physical education and later obtained a degree in radiology technology.  Mark “found” gridiron in Australia while watching the 1986 Superbowl in Noosa and his 3 month surfing vacation turned into 14 years living in Australia.

Coaching Philosophy: Lead By Example… FAMILY!!!!!

Coaching experience:
USA

  • Fullerton Junior College – Fullerton California 1984-85
  • Lowell High School – La Habra California 1984
  • Immaculate High School – Danbury, Connecticut 2005-2011
  • Danbury High School – Danbury, Connecticut 2011-2015

Australia

  • UNSW Raiders 2017 to present
  • West Sydney Pirates 1994-1998
  • Ryde Spartans 1991
  • Hills District Eagles 1988-1990
  • Bondi Radiers 1986-1988
  • NSW State Team
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Coaches Profile – Mitchell Sheppard

– Posted on May 27, 2018Posted in: Mens Gridiron, RGA

We are pleased to announce the addition of Mitchell Sheppard as an Offensive Assistnat for the UNSW Raiders Men team, he will also be assisting with the RGA Youth Gridiron Program.  We welcome Mitchell to Australia and to the UNSW Raiders Gridiron Club.

Coaching Experience and Qualifications:  I recently graduated from the University of California, Davis where I played four years of Division 1 collegiate football as a Quarterback and Wide Receiver. In these four years, I was exposed to a very complex pro-style offense with a balanced rushing and passing game.

As players, we were expected to know how to read defenses and react based on defensive pre-snap and post-snap alignments and movements. While at UC Davis, I took numerous coaching classes that taught me how to interact with players, how to correctly teach an athlete, and how to have success as a coach while maintaining a healthy team culture.

Coaching Philosophy: My coaching philosophy stresses the importance of competitiveness, effort, accountability, and team unity. My teams are characterised as very high in intensity, disciplined, with a drive to win which is reflected in every practice, work out, film study, or game

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Coaches Profile – Ben Fraser

– Posted on May 24, 2018Posted in: Coaching, Strength and Conditioning

UNSW RAIDERS STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH – We are pleased to announce Ben Fraser as our Strength and Conditioning coach for 2018.

Ben’s goal, as strength and conditioning coach, is to assist the Raiders to become the most physically dominant team by encouraging players to unlock their full potential by working on improving every aspect of their physical performance. Each player will receive a personal assessment together with a program to assist them with their football development and conditioning. Ben wishes to provide simple, but effective, programs and guidance to help improve strength, speed, power, agility and cardiovascular fitness.

 

Coaching Philosophy:

“Focus on building solid foundations and the house will never fall.  Strength training is about becoming not only strong but robust and resilient to injury. Once you build those foundations you can then focus on becoming the baddest guy on the field” Ben Fraser

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of exercise science – UOW
  • Certificate 4 fitness
  • ASCA strength and conditioning coach level 1
  • Precision nutrition coach level 1

Coaching Experience:

  • 2014 – St George Illawarra Dragons internship (S&C)
  • 2015- Present – Personal Trainer Anytime Fitness
  • 2017- Present – Head Coach at Typhon Athletic.
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Women’s American Football

– Posted on May 24, 2018Posted in: Womens Gridiron

GRIDIRON FOR WOMEN – SPECIAL OFFER!

UNSW Raiders are encouraging women to play American Football and are offering a SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY rate of $150 for female players who have never played our game before!

We have pathways to help you learn the game, great coaching and can offer assistance with sourcing equipment.

For more information please call 0428 232304 or go to our registration page: www.raidersgridiron.com/registration/team-registration/womens-registration-2/

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Coaches Profile – Darryl Jones

– Posted on May 21, 2018Posted in: Coaching, Colts

UNSW RAIDERS COLTS HEAD COACH – Darryl Jones will be returning for his second year as Head Coach  and third year involved with the UNSW Colts program.

Darryl has been involved with the club in a range of capacities since the clubs beginnings in 1979.  He has played in 4 championship winning seasons and represented the club at the first ever World Cup of American Football which was held in Italy in 1999.

Coaching Philosophy:  “Football has taught me many lessons which I have been able to apply to other aspects of life. My goal is not only to impart the football knowledge I have been fortunate to receive from coaches I admire and respect but to help pass on the way the lessons we learn on the field can apply to every facet of future success.”  Darryl Jones

Coaching Experience:

  • 2016: Colts Offensive co-ordinator
  • 2017 – Present: Colts head coach

Playing Experience:

  • 1996-present: Raiders gridiron club (RB/LB/ Safety)
  • 1996-2007: NSW State Representative
  • 1999:  Australian Cyclones (Safety)
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Preseason “Fundamentals” Training

– Posted on May 15, 2018Posted in: Coaching, Colts, Mens Gridiron, Womens Gridiron

Join us for Preseason Fundamentals this June!

Fundamentals month is specifically designed for players new to the game.  It assists them to “get a feel” for what they can expect when regular season training begins, to become familiar with the terminology and some of the skills that may not translate from other sports.

It’s also a great opportunity for our established players to start conditioning, brush up on the skills they may have missed throughout previous seasons or learn about a new position.

It’s also fabulous for those who just can’t wait to get out there!

Sessions during the month of June will be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights at the following times:

  • Colts from 6pm-7pm
  • Men and Women from 7pm-8.30pm

We have 2 new coaches this year who have both previously played Division 1 USA College Football and they arrive in time to bring their knowledge and enthusiasm to these sessions.

Regular season training starts from July so if you’re thinking of joining us this year the Fundamental Preseason  sessions are for you!

 

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Coaches Profile – Andrew Brundu

– Posted on May 11, 2018Posted in: Coaching, Mens Gridiron

UNSW RAIDERS MEN’S HEAD COACH – The UNSW Raiders are pleased to announce Andrew Brundu as the  2018 Men’s Head Coach.  Andrew has been a valuable member of the club for many years and we wish him every success for the coming season.

Coaching Philosophy: “Playing football is about 2 words “Discipline & Fun.” You must be disciplined to play football but football needs to be fun. We want our players to enjoy playing a game that has taught me so many life lessons and in turn to have so many wonderful memories and amazing life friends. Its a tough goal, to have a player smiling during collision, but its a goal I think all our coaches can achieve.” Andrew Brundu

Coaching Experience: 

  • Defensive Coach for the Raiders Gridiron Club from 1987 -1993, 2008 and 2016 till current
  • Defensive Coach for NSW from 1988 – 1992 winning the first National championship as a player/coach.

Playing Experience:

  • Raiders Gridiron Club from 1983 as a Tight End
  • Played is every NSW State Team from 1987 through to 1993
  • Raiders Gridiron Club from 1984 – 1993 as a Line Backer

 

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Coaches Profile – Ryan Green

– Posted on May 8, 2018Posted in: Coaching, Colts, Mens Gridiron, RGA

We are pleased to announce the addition of Ryan Green as an Offensive Coach for the UNSW Raiders Men and Colts teams.  Ryan will also be assisting with RGA Youth Gridiron Program.  We welcome Ryan to Australia and to the UNSW Raiders Gridiron Club.

Coaching Experience: Ryan has just finished his final year of eligibility playing Division 1 football at the University of California Davis where he played Wide Receiver however he has had not previous coaching experience.

His Philosophy: “As I have just finished my playing career in the states, I am excited to share my knowledge and experience of playing Division 1 college football with others, especially internationally.

Playing under multiple coaching staffs during my 5 years at UC Davis, I saw many things that worked and many things that didn’t work and with this knowledge, I hope to improve the Raiders staff. I believe having fun playing the sport lies at the basis of success, and I plan to bring my energy and youth to make sure this goal is fulfilled.”  Ryan Green

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Coaches Profile – Tim Wakeham

– Posted on May 3, 2018Posted in: Coaching, Womens Gridiron

UNSW RAIDERS WOMEN’S HEAD COACH – The UNSW Raiders are pleased to announce Tim Wakeham as our 2018 Women’s Head Coach.  Tim has a wealth of experience coaching women’s football in Europe and we wish him every success for the coming season.

Coaching Philosophy: “To me, American football is the ultimate team sport and a perfect mix of strategy and power.  As an *“old man”*, I have a fondness for old-style option & power football but it’s been both fun and challenging learning more about spread style offences over the last few years.  I enjoy helping others not only improve their skills, but also their knowledge of American football. Good players and coaches never stop learning and I hope that each year, while helping others, I can also improve my own knowledge and skills as a coach.”  Tim Wakeham

Coaching Experience:

  • UNSW Raiders 2017
  • Solna Chiefs U17 2017
  • Swedish Ladies National Team 2015
  • Stockholm Mean Machines Ladies 2015-2016
  • Stockholm Mean Machines Superserien 2013-2015
  • Newcastle Cobras 2011-2013
  • Newcastle Pirates Juniors 1994-1996

Coaching Qualification:

  • Gridiron Australia – Level One Gridiron Coach (2012)

Playing Experience:

  • Newcastle Cobras 1989-1995
  • NSW 1992-1993
  • Sutherland Seahawks 1997-1999
  • Tuggeranong Tornadoes 2000-2002
  • ACT 2001

 

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2018 Coaching Staff

– Posted on April 28, 2018Posted in: Coaching, Colts, Mens Gridiron, Womens Gridiron

The UNSW Raiders are pleased to announce the coaching staff for 2018. We wish them and our teams all the very best of luck for the upcoming season!

MEN’S TEAM

  • Head Coach: Andrew Brundu
  • Offensive Co-Ordinator: Mark Medrano
  • Offensive Assistant: Ryan Green
  • Offensive Assistant: Charles Hayward
  • Offensive Assistant: Mitchell Sheppard
  • Defensive Assistant: Chris Stokes
  • Defensive Assistant: Marius Hauber

COLTS TEAM

  • Head Coach: Darryl Jones
  • Offensive Co-Ordinator: Mark Medrano
  • Defensive Co-Ordinator: Andrew Brundu
  • Offensive Assistant: Ryan Green
  • Defensive Assistant: Michael Vardavas

WOMEN’S TEAM

  • Head Coach: Tim Wakeham
  • Offensive Co-Ordinator: Soren Hauff
  • Defensive Assistant: TBA

 

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2018 Combine and Try Outs

– Posted on April 15, 2018Posted in: Colts, Mens Gridiron, Recruiting, Womens Gridiron

Join us for the 2018 Season and our Sign on, Combine and Try Outs!

 

 

 

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Results of the 2018 AGM

– Posted on March 19, 2018Posted in: AGM

The UNSW Raiders held their Annual General Meeting on Sunday 4 March 2018.

We extend our thanks to the outgoing committee members for their hard work throughout 2017 and welcome the new committee.

The new committee voted in is a follows:

  • President – Darryl Jones
  • Secretary –  Aaron McEvoy
  • Treasurer –  Andrew Brundu
  • ARC Rep –  Blake Cochran

We thank everyone that took the time to attend the meeting and look forward to a great 2018 season!

 

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UNSW RAIDERS REPRESENTING

– Posted on February 12, 2018Posted in: AGL, Australian Outback, Colts, Mens Gridiron, WAGL, Womens Gridiron, World Championships

A massive year of representing!  Congratulations to the following players and coaches that have been named to the NSW State Teams and the Junior Australian Outback.

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U19 JUNIOR AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK NATION TEAM – Congratulations to UNSW Raiders player, Kordell Payne, who has been named to the Australian Outback Junior National Team who will compete at the IFAF U19 World Championship to be held in Mexico City later this year!

2018 NSW COYOTES WOMEN’S STATE TEAM – The UNSW Raiders are proud to have 21 players and 5 coaches named to the 2018 NSW Coyotes squad who will compete in the WAGL in Perth at the end of May.

Congratulations to the following players: Kirstie Bridge, Jamey Burgess, Kiara Epere, Josie Fedele, Renae Hahn, Madison Helene, Alia Karmali, Lindeman Le, Eve Lichaa, Toa Luitai, Sarah Prescott, Shiloh Phillips, Danica Phillips, Stacey Speer, Hayley Tagaloa-Smith, Atelaite Taukieaho, Renee Turner, Lola Vai , Justine Vave, Kira Dargin-Barsukoff (development player) and Emma Furneaux (development player). 🏈 

We would also like to congratulate the following people on their appointment to the squad as coaches: Dane Robertson (Head Coach), Max Nina, Kate Gardiner, Kingsley Dennison,  Iindi Reti. 🏈

2018 NSW WOLFPACK MEN’S STATE TEAM – A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to the following UNSW Raiders Men’s players who have been named to the 2018 NSW Wolfpack squad for this years AGL! Joey Donaghy ,  Lukas Vojnar, Marcos Delana, Maraki Toa, Troy O’hair, Stephen Douglas, Chris Ravlich and Rustum Todd. 🏈 

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2018 Annual General Meeting

– Posted on February 12, 2018Posted in: AGM, Events

Notice of 2018 UNSW Raiders Annual General Meeting

To be held at The Lakes Hotel at 2pm on Sunday 4 March 2018.

Nomination Form for a position on the executive and Proxy forms can be downloaded at the following link:https://www.dropbox.com/s/gfp5oxkpfvvc2vn/Proxy%20AGM%202018.docx?dl=0

All nomination and proxy forms are due by 5pm 24/2/2018 to secretary@raidersgridiron.com

Please note: Meeting is open to 2017 UNSW Raiders Members Only

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RGA – FINAL RESULTS

– Posted on December 15, 2017Posted in: Juniors, RGA

This Friday, 15 December 2017, the Championship Games were played for the 2017 RGA Youth Gridiron Season.  The RGA has been running for 4 years (starting in 2014) however this is only the 2nd year for the Friday Night competition.

Results from the games are as follows:

Under 11

  • Bowl Game = Giants 40 def Bulls 18

Under 13

  • Bowl Game = Ravens 27 def Bolts 20

Under 16

  • Bowl Game = Spartans 50 def Cheetahs 26
  • 3 v 4 = Grizzlies 33 def Bears 24

Congratulations to the Giants, Ravens and Spartans!

We would like to thank all the players and parents for supporting the program and we look forward to a bigger and better 2018!