League MVPs Announced
Published: May 25, 2010
The British Universities American Football League is delighted to announce the players who have been awarded the accolade of Most Valuable Players for the 2009-2010 season. Tristan Varney (University of Birmingham Lions); Ed Butcher (Team Solent Redhawks) and David Saul (Sheffield Hallam Warriors) have all been recognised for their outstanding contributions to their teams over the course of the season.
Tristan Varney has picked up from where he left off last season when he was announced the Leagues Offensive MVP for the 2008-09 season. He has Quarterbacked the Lions to a second consecutive perfect season and the retention of the National Championship crown. Lions Head Coach Tony Athersmith welcomed the news that Varney had received the honour for the second time. I would like to congratulate Tristan. He had a great season in his first year but has worked hard to use that as a platform for his 2nd year in the offense. He has really developed on his mechanics and commands respect with his overall leadership.
Athersmith continued Tristan continues to work hard behind the scenes watching film, running, lifting and working out with our receivers outside of our official practices. Athersmith concluded by highlighting Varney’’s recognition of his team mates and coaches in his success. Tristan will be the first person to acknowledge the assistant coaches, the offensive line, the WR’’s and Back’’s for their commitment in allowing us to have overall success again in our offense. Ed Butchers receipt of the MVP award mirrors that of Varney, having already been crowned the Leagues Defensive MVP for the 2008-09 season. BAFA Director for Student Football Development Andy Fuller led the plaudits for Butcher Ed set a very high benchmark for performance in winning the award last season and Ed has set the standard yet again this season.
Fuller continued He played a crucial part in the Redhawks run to the play-offs in their first season in the League and characterises the very best of student sport – great athleticism, strong technique and a continued willingness to learn and improve. His achievements are testament to both himself and those people who have coached him in recent years. Hallam Warriors David Saul completes the Holy Trinity of recipients for 2010. Saul led his team to the play-offs on the back of an undefeated record and has set the League alight on both offense and defense.
Richard Batty, Head Coach of the Hallam Warriors said of Saul I have been involved in American football since 1990 as a player and coach. I have played with and against and coached some exceptional players. David Saul is quite simply the best football player I have encountered in that time. He is a true multi dimensional player and excels both on offence, defence and special teams. He has re written the Hallam defensive stats records in his three years on the team.
This year David has played both Offence, Defence and Special Teams. In four games this year he played 100% of the game in every aspect. His devotion to the game is quite extraordinary. He doesn’t drink and eats only to increase his athletic ability. He is a gym rat and takes many other players through their paces in developing their own strength and conditioning levels. I have been informed by other coaches that he is factored into their game plan due to the high level he performs at. Batty continued David is this teams emotional and on field leader. He understands both the O and D playbooks and coaching manual as well as myself and my coaching staff. David is a current GB international and was recruited by the Coventry Jets this year due to his exceptional ability. In one game this year against Manchester his individual stats were 13 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovered for TD (30 Yard), 2 interceptions for TD (110 yrd) Kick-off return for TD (70 yard) 30 yard passing TD 10 rushes for 42 yards… He was pulled mid way through the 3rd quarter. He scored on three consecutive plays, an offensive pass, an interception and the second half kick off. 3 plays and 3 scores on the bounce. I have never heard of that before let alone see it.
Batty concluded David Saul would walk into ANY team in the UK. It is my good fortune he is on mine. BAFA Director for Student Football Development Andy Fuller commented All three of these individuals is exceptional. Tristan and Ed have demonstrated that they can continually perform to the highest standards and their receipt of consecutive awards represents an outstanding achievement.
In addition to them David has proven himself to be a unique talent in the League and someone who stands as a great ambassador for those who play our sport in the university sector. The League is pleased to announce those athletes nominated by coaches and team committeess to be under consideration by the review panel: Edson Bras (Portsmouth Destroyers); Fabrizio Gargulio (Hertfordshire Hurricanes); (Birmingham Lions); James Beaumont (Notts); Matt Hardcastle (Loughborough Aces); Russ Jordan (Kent Falcons); Nicky Cole (Solent Redhawks); Ed Tate (Newcastle Raiders); Adam Hope (Loughborough Aces); Lewis King (Glasgow). There were two further players – one from ARU and one from Warwick – names to come shortly.
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