Fresh start for Pirates
New ground among changes
East Kilbride Pirates head coach Ross Templeton insists there is a new confidence in the squad as they prepare to kickoff their 2018 season later this month.
The town’s American football team have missed out on the BritBowl play-offs for the past two seasons, with last season their most disappointing in recent memory after just four wins from 10 games.
There has been a few changes to the coaching staff in the offseason, but Templeton remains at the helm for a seventh campaign as they build towards their National League opener against Sheffield Giants on April 22.
And as they look to a new season at a new home - Braidholm in Giffnock Templeton believes his squad are in great shape for the challenges ahead.
He said: “We’ve had a strong off-season, with some changes to the coaching staff, and some additions to the team - from both our junior team as well as some new guys to the Pirates.
“There’s a new confidence in the team and we’ll be aiming to start our time at the new venue with improved performances on the field.”
The team’s coaching staff has been expanded, thanks to some recently retired players returning to pull on the club’s red coaching uniform and share their knowledge and experience with the next generation of Pirates.
Andrew McGowan, veteran Pirates and GB linebacker, takes over as defensive co-ordinator. Andrew has been defensive co-ordinator at the Glasgow University Tigers for the last five seasons as well as taking on his first head coaching role with the Pirates women’s team last October.
He’s joined on the defensive coaching staff by Pirates stalwart Steven Wilson, a veteran of numerous GB campaigns. Steven shares defensive line coaching responsibility with fellow veteran defensive lineman Davie Douglas, while Joe McGee, a former wide receiver and corner for the Pirates, takes on defensive back coaching duties.
And on the offense, former Pirates junior offensive cogreat ordinator and wide out Ryan McCluskey returns as receivers coach.
Shaun Cauvin steps up as offensive co-ordinator in addition to coaching the offensive line, while John Heron makes the switch over from defensive backs to coach running backs.
Head coach Templeton will also be coaching the quarterbacks and leading on special teams.
On the playing front, the team’s roster has also received a welcome boost thanks to new players joining the club, and the graduation to the senior side of a number of talented young players from the club’s youth and junior programme.