Practice Makes Perfect For Team
USA; Former Florida State and Packers Pro Bowl Safety
To Help Preparations
January 18, 2005
TEAM USA kicked off its preparations for the NFL Global
Junior Championship IX by taking to the practice field
for the first of eight of sessions at The Bolles School.
Head coach CORKY ROGERS put his 36-man Jacksonville all-star
roster that will face teams from Japan, France, Mexico
and Canada during the week of Super Bowl XXXIX, through
its paces for the first time. He is thrilled at the prospect
of taking on the world.
“There has been
a lot of talk about these games and a plenty of planning,
but now that we’re finally out on the field and
working with these young men, I feel excited,” said
Rogers.
“Moulding an all-star group into
a team that can defeat the best opponents from four countries
in a relatively short space of time is a challenge, but
we’ve made a good start. I think we’re solid
across the board.”
Taking the first steps on the road to representing their
country were scholar athletes from 24 local high schools:
Baker County, Bartram Trail, Clay, Episcopal, Fernandina,
First Coast, Fleming Island, Forrest, Hilliard, Jackson,
Lee, Mandarin, Nease, Palatka, Raines, Ridgeview, Sandalwood,
St Augustine, The Bolles School, Trinity, Union County,
University Christian, West Nassau and Wolfson. The Team
USA roster can be found at www.NFLHS.com/GJC/.
The group will be joined by former Florida State and Green
Bay Packers Pro Bowl safety LEROY BUTLER at a future practice.
Having played under coach Rogers at Robert E. Lee High
School in Jacksonville, Butler is eager to pass on words
of advice.
“Corky asked me to address his
players and tell them what an honor it is to be a part
of the Super Bowl,” said Butler, who was a member
of two Green Bay Packers Super Bowl teams. “I can
only imagine how they must feel to be representing their
country at the same time and will pass on any tips I can
to help them win the NFL Global Junior Championship IX
title.”
Team USA’s 36-man roster of local high school all-stars
will hold a further seven practices, continuing this Thursday,
January 20 at The Bolles School.
Thursday, January 20
Sunday, January 23
Wednesday, January 26;
Friday, January 28
Sunday, January 30
Tuesday, February 1
Thursday, February 3
All from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
