Blue Devils geben erste US-Spieler bekannt
Sherman Oaks,CA, USA , 04 March, 2003
Blue Devils announce new Players
Head Coach John Rosenberg has announced the signing of 3 new players for the 2003 season. Joining the Blue Devils on defense will be Linebacker Phil Sissener, a native of Norway who previously played in Kiel and the NFLE, and Walter Reese, a Defensive Specialist from Tennessee State University in the USA. On offense, the Blue Devils have added Running Back Curtis Cooper from Southeast Missouri State University, who played last year for the Cologne Crocodiles.
Phil Sissener, 6’2“ 235lbs, played the last 3 seasons in Kiel and played college football in the USA at Northeastern University. He played in NFL Europe in 2001, first with Amsterdam and then for 8 games with World Bowl champion Barcelona. In 2002 he was with the Frankfurt Galaxy. The 28 year-old comes from a family of Norwegian Olympic athletes: his grandfather was an Olympic speed skater, his grandmother an Olympic pairs figure skater and gymnastics team member, and his mother an Olympic figure skater. Coach Rosenberg, who will coordinate the Blue Devils defense next season, says: „ Phil is an experienced and skilled Linebacker, who was productive in Kiel on a lesser team. With the higher play level of defensive teammates in Hamburg, he should have his best season ever.“
Walter Reese, 6’ 2“ 220lbs, was a 4 year starter at Strong Safety and Outside Linebacker at Tennessee State University in the Ohio Valley Conference. As a Senior he was team Captain and MVP and chosen All-Conference. After his Junior year he was All-Conference and named to the Walter Camp Foundation All-American team. His Senior stats included 83 tackles (51 solo), 8 sacks, and 14 tackles for losses. As a Junior he recorded 70 tackles (46 solo), 7 sacks, and 13 tackles for losses. A native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, the 24 year-old is one of 13 children. A Biology major at TSU with a 3.0 GPA, he plans on going to Medical School and becoming a childrens doctor. This year, while waiting for the opportunity to play football again, he has been working as a 6th grade teacher. Coach Rosenberg says : „ Walter makes big plays and creates offensive errors. He will be an impact player in the GFL.“
Curtis Cooper came to Cologne in July of the 2002 season and played Tailback for Crocodile Head Coach Kirk Heidelberg, who is now Offensive Coordinator of the Blue Devils. The 24 year-old scored 9 touchdowns in 5 games in Cologne. As a senior at Southeast Missouri State University he rushed for 1200 yards and also had 44 catches for 319 yards.
The 5’ 9“ 180 lb. all-around athlete is also a gifted return specialist, leading the conference in punt and kickoff returns his Junior and Senior years. As a Senior the Toledo, Ohio native was ranked 6th nationally in all-purpose running with 193 yards per game. Coach Heidelberg says : „ I have known Curtis and his family for many years. He was a comfortable fit with his teammates in Cologne, on and off the field. He is an outstanding runner who fits our offensive style and understands our system. With the talent and offensive line in Hamburg, I expect him to develop into a great GFL running back.“