A NEW ERA BECKONS
FOR THE ROUGHRIDERS

With the new season fast approaching, GCU Roughriders are looking to build on the promising form of last season which saw them get through to the final of the BCAFL plate.

However, this is one team that lives up to its name and the past soon caught up with them. Now with new coaches, a fresh new team and management, the Roughriders are now looking forward to a fresh start.

Eddie McCluskey has accepted the role as Head Coach after the departure of Ian Smith due to other commitments and moves on with the best wishes of the Roughriders franchise.

And with Coach McCluskey taking over helm, he bring to Cally plenty of experience that comes on the back of distinguished background in American Football.

A Junior High School and undefeated Radcliffe Rams RB, Coach McCluskey went on to be one of the founding members of The Glasgow Lions. As a player/coach at the Lions, Coach received MVP in 1985 which was the year the team went to the British finals, Offence MVP in 1986 and was the second highest rusher in The Lions history.

With team mates including Scott Couper (Claymores), Steven Collins (current GB Coach) and Steve McCusker (ex-national team coach), Coach McCluskey is set to revitalise GCU Roughriders.

Coach McCluskey's assistant Ian McFarlane is an old Glasgow Lions team-mate. Ian was Rookie of the year in his first year with the Lions when he played Tight End, Kicker, Punt Returner and Special Teams.

While with the Lions he QB'd them to a Capital Bowl victory and also played in the Summer Bowl final. Ian also coached the Lions junior team, along with Coach McCluskey, bringing players like Scott Couper into the first team.

Accompanied by Kyle West and other retired players that are soon to take their BAFCA coaching course, Coach is looking to develop returning players and also integrate rookies and flag players that are set to join the team.

"The aim for the team is to make the playoffs of the new BUAFL League for the first time; building on the performance from last season this is an achievable goal and I am keen to see how far the team can go." Coach also spoke about the fundamental aims of the team, "The overall goal of any university team should be to nurture player development, go as far as possible in the league and have fun on the way."

Varying companies are in talks with the team to provide sponsorship but contracts are yet to be finalised.

However, the up and coming GCU Get Involved Fayre on the 25th September ( 10am-3pm ) is an opportunity for any interested players to get in contact with the team.

Other ways of getting in-touch with the team are:

Bebo: www.bebo.com/GCU-Roughriders

Facebook: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2256023115

GCU Your Space: www.caledonianstudent.com

Email: caledonianroughriders@hotmail.com

REPORT AND MONTAGE C/O CALEDONIAN ROUGHRIDERS