Looking to build upon a successful inaugural campaign, the Warriors held open tryouts for the 2008 season on the 22nd of March in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
The New Jersey Warriors opened their off-season training with open tryouts at Buccleuch Park in New Brunswick. 22 athletes took advantage of the opportunity to display their physical talents for the coaches and team ownership. The players tested in 40-yard dashes, 20-yard shuttles, a few agility drills and position drills.
"Basically, we want to see how these guys can move, see the athleticism, because without pads it is difficult to gauge the real talent." said Head Coach and Co-Owner Ronnie Paige. The Warriors return a core group of 25 players from last season's team and hope to start the season with at least 45 players on the roster.
Last Season
In their initial season the Warriors finished with a more than respectable 5-5 record, which qualified the Warriors for the playoffs and made they made major noise in the tournament, finally bowing out in the championship game to the 11-time champion Brooklyn Mariners. The strong finish earned the Warriors a trip to Florida to play in the Hurricane Bowl in which the Warriors were victorious.
2008 Outlook
The Warriors look to build on last year's success and take things a notch higher, hopefully to become one of the more consistent teams in the league.
"Overall I saw quite a few talented players out there today and combining that with what we have coming back..." said Offensive Coach and Co-Owner Edd Gladney, "...as long as players understand their roles and stick it out whether it be special teams or as a back up, I don't see any reason why we can't be one of the strongest teams in the league this year"
Community Ties
"I find it necessary that our team, not only play football but give something back to the community," said Co-Owner Ronnie Paige, "it not only benefits the community, but it lets some of the players see that they can make a difference in another person's life by doing something positive and constructive."
The Warriors are striving to make a difference in the New Brunswick community, last season they worked closely with the Pop Warner program. This year the Warriors are proud to be hosting two Hub City Benefit Games with a portion of the proceeds going to the Hub City Teen Center and the Children's Hospital at St. Peters.
The League
The New Jersey Warriors compete in the four-team New Jersey Division of the RAFL. The RAFL has over 40 teams that battle through a rigorous season for the right to call themselves champions. The league champion then competes nationally in the NFA, taking on champions from affiliated leagues in determining a national champion.
