We beat the Carinthian Black Lions Saturday 35:12 to keep our playoff hopes alive. After the game I went with our team manager, Stefan Schubert, to Salzburg to watch his favorite soccer club, SV Austria Salzburg, compete for their league title. I'm going to go cook dinner & give more details (with fotos) after dinner. Stay tuned!
Meanwhile, check out some video footage of the fanclub I joined up with on Sunday as they won their league title!
SV Austria Salzburg - Champions 2007/08 from Andreas Lindinger on Vimeo.
If you need more, here's footage of the fanclub last Wednesday:
SV Austria Salzburg v FC Hallein
"Wir wollen nur Siegen sehen!"
Monday, May 19, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Bodensee
Today, Christoph took a few of us out onto the Bodensee (Lake Constance). The Bodensee is a very large lake that forms part of the border between Austria, Germany, & Switzerland.
We got a late start, but it was a very nice and relaxing day as a tourist. We jumped on the passenger ferry that took us from Bregenz along the northern edge and German border to the towns of Lindau & eventually to our destination of Friedrichshafen. The boat ride was relaxing and seeing all of the sailboats in Lake Constance made me a bit homesick, and reminded me that the Duck Dodge on Lake Union begins tomorrow. I really miss my boat, the waters around Lk. Washington & the beauty of Puget Sound.
In Friedrichshafen we kicked back, bought some lunch and relaxed, people watched & chatted in the sun. I finally bought some sunglasses, a cheap pair from a tourist shop & we raced some ominous looking clouds back to Bregenz. Just missing the rain storm, we grabbed some Gelato on the beach and eventually walked back through the Bregenzer Altstadt to our cars.
From there, Christoph led us up into the mountains to the Bregenz Castle and oldest sections of the city. From there was a stunning view of Bodensee and the forthcoming sunset. There's a place I'll definitely have to return to when Niki & Keegan get to town at the end of June.
After that, Christoph led us through a beautiful drive through Bregenzerwald, the alpine portion of Vorarlberg. It was beautiful and I think Niki, Keegan, & I may have to check out a bed & breakfast up there when they're here. Maybe make a weekend out of it.
All in all, a good day, with good company, and beautiful weather.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Undefeated as a Head Coach!
We won 28:0 today at Bern in the EFAF Cup Quarterfinals, more on that after I get back from scouting the Group B matchup between Carinthian v. Parma in Parma, Italy. (We play the winner in 3 weeks for the EFAF Cup Semifinal).
Ciao ciao!
Ciao ciao!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
New Beginning
The other reason it has been so long since I've posted, is because a lot of changes are happening with our organization. Head Coach Michael Kegel resigned yesterday to take on a different role within the organization. Both he and management feel that he could better serve the team while working as a recruiter and manager for Vorarlberg's newly forming Sport Leistungs Zentrum (basically, a sport school). I admire him for his role in bringing guys to the team and getting them out to practice, but there is a definite need for change within the Hauptmannschaft (AFL Team).
I have been named the new Head Coach and am proud to take on that role and the many challenges that need to be faced in developing this team into what it can be. Our first practice last night went well, though we were low on numbers due to injury, work, and school obligations, the upped tempo and higher expectations will benefit us greatly in our very much alive goal of a championship.
I will keep this blog up and running and you will be able to track the season from my new perspective. This is my first experience as a Head Coach, and to do so on a team of this calibre at such a young age is very much an honor to me and my family.
Well, I've got to get to back to work scheduling out the rest of the year.
I have been named the new Head Coach and am proud to take on that role and the many challenges that need to be faced in developing this team into what it can be. Our first practice last night went well, though we were low on numbers due to injury, work, and school obligations, the upped tempo and higher expectations will benefit us greatly in our very much alive goal of a championship.
I will keep this blog up and running and you will be able to track the season from my new perspective. This is my first experience as a Head Coach, and to do so on a team of this calibre at such a young age is very much an honor to me and my family.
Well, I've got to get to back to work scheduling out the rest of the year.
Worn down again
Well, sorry that I have not written in a few days. It has been very hectic since Sunday's loss to Vienna. More on that later.
The game started out very well, after a long kickoff return our defense held them to a dominant 3 & out. Our offense took over and marched down the field with some big throws and eventually we forced our way into the endzone to go up 6-0. The extra point was blocked, but Frantzy Dorlean (DE/TE - Tennessee State) scooped it up and scored for the two point conversion. Just like that we were up 8-0.
The Vikings made some adjustments, upped the tempo, and tested our edge, they found it a few times and RB Clinton Graham scampered for a few first downs. Finally, a PI call moved them into the Red Zone and after a long scramble QB Steve Levy (Cal) found pay dirt. They "waggled" on the PAT and it was tied up 8-8.
We still felt pretty confident, however, as they had to work hard for their yards and nothing was coming easy.
On our next offensive series, an errant pass found the hands of a DB who scooted in for the pick6. Down 8-14, momentum started to swing in favor of the Vikings. Our offense moved the ball on the next series, but could not finish the task and we punted away. Midway through the second quarter they began using two tight ends, we adjusted quickly and caused them to call a timeout, but a few plays later they took advantage of some of our very tired two-way players, sealed the edge and were off to the races. The pace was too much and eventually they ran an old student body right play and our guys were caught out of position. Down 8-21, our team started to lose confidence. It didn't help that after a 3 & out and a long punt return, the Vikings were again in scoring position. We made them work for it but before long we were down 8-28 and some bickering began on the sideline.
As the offense took the field I pulled the team together (very cordially, as you can imagine ;) ) and told them that if they didn't believe we could still win this thing, to get off the bus. The game was still very much in reach, end of the half, our ball, if we score we're down 14 and we get the ball to start the second half. The guys bought in, we drove the field and QB Paul Troth (East Carolina) found WR Benni Fussenegger (Austria) just before the half and at 14:28 we were back in the ballgame.
The second half opened up, however, and we could not move the ball. A quick 3 & out and a long punt return saw the Vikings looking for blood. Our defense came out fast & hard, but a Barry Sanders-esque run by Graham, another 3 & out, and a Jason Gesser style scramble and throw by Levy found 14-43.
From there on it was just damage control, our worn out players fought with everything they had, stuffed the Vikings twice in the redzone but gave up one more touchdown late in the third quarter. The only solace available for the second half came early in the fourth quarter, QB Paul Troth (who was under considerable pressure both acting as offensive coordinator and playing quarterback) hit franchise WR/DB Christian Steffani (Austria) for a long strike. We made the PAT field goal (not at all automatic this year) and that was our final score: 21-50.
I was proud about how our boys fought back after being rallied together in the 2nd quarter, but again, numbers and conditioning were a huge problem for us as we simply wore down.
Crazy news, however, the Danube beat Graz, and if we win out, we can still make the playoffs! This truly has been a wild season in the AFL.
The game started out very well, after a long kickoff return our defense held them to a dominant 3 & out. Our offense took over and marched down the field with some big throws and eventually we forced our way into the endzone to go up 6-0. The extra point was blocked, but Frantzy Dorlean (DE/TE - Tennessee State) scooped it up and scored for the two point conversion. Just like that we were up 8-0.
The Vikings made some adjustments, upped the tempo, and tested our edge, they found it a few times and RB Clinton Graham scampered for a few first downs. Finally, a PI call moved them into the Red Zone and after a long scramble QB Steve Levy (Cal) found pay dirt. They "waggled" on the PAT and it was tied up 8-8.
We still felt pretty confident, however, as they had to work hard for their yards and nothing was coming easy.
On our next offensive series, an errant pass found the hands of a DB who scooted in for the pick6. Down 8-14, momentum started to swing in favor of the Vikings. Our offense moved the ball on the next series, but could not finish the task and we punted away. Midway through the second quarter they began using two tight ends, we adjusted quickly and caused them to call a timeout, but a few plays later they took advantage of some of our very tired two-way players, sealed the edge and were off to the races. The pace was too much and eventually they ran an old student body right play and our guys were caught out of position. Down 8-21, our team started to lose confidence. It didn't help that after a 3 & out and a long punt return, the Vikings were again in scoring position. We made them work for it but before long we were down 8-28 and some bickering began on the sideline.
As the offense took the field I pulled the team together (very cordially, as you can imagine ;) ) and told them that if they didn't believe we could still win this thing, to get off the bus. The game was still very much in reach, end of the half, our ball, if we score we're down 14 and we get the ball to start the second half. The guys bought in, we drove the field and QB Paul Troth (East Carolina) found WR Benni Fussenegger (Austria) just before the half and at 14:28 we were back in the ballgame.
The second half opened up, however, and we could not move the ball. A quick 3 & out and a long punt return saw the Vikings looking for blood. Our defense came out fast & hard, but a Barry Sanders-esque run by Graham, another 3 & out, and a Jason Gesser style scramble and throw by Levy found 14-43.
From there on it was just damage control, our worn out players fought with everything they had, stuffed the Vikings twice in the redzone but gave up one more touchdown late in the third quarter. The only solace available for the second half came early in the fourth quarter, QB Paul Troth (who was under considerable pressure both acting as offensive coordinator and playing quarterback) hit franchise WR/DB Christian Steffani (Austria) for a long strike. We made the PAT field goal (not at all automatic this year) and that was our final score: 21-50.
I was proud about how our boys fought back after being rallied together in the 2nd quarter, but again, numbers and conditioning were a huge problem for us as we simply wore down.
Crazy news, however, the Danube beat Graz, and if we win out, we can still make the playoffs! This truly has been a wild season in the AFL.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
German Version
Due to popular demand, I'm going to translate the blog and have a German version posted on the site. You'll find the link above the picture slideshows to your right: "Deutsche Version: Spielen für Schnitzel"
Enjoy!
Ich habe bonnelladventures.com fuer meine Deutsche/Oesterreiche/Schweize freunden auf Deutsch geübersetztet. Du wirdst ein Link an der rechten seit über die foto-slideshows finden: "Deutsche Version: Spielen für Schnitzel"
Viel Spass dazu!
Enjoy!
Ich habe bonnelladventures.com fuer meine Deutsche/Oesterreiche/Schweize freunden auf Deutsch geübersetztet. Du wirdst ein Link an der rechten seit über die foto-slideshows finden: "Deutsche Version: Spielen für Schnitzel"
Viel Spass dazu!
Game of the Week in Hohenems
---below is a translation of my interview with Thomas Muck of www.die-namenlosen.at---
Exclusive
Blue Devils-Coach Bonnell in Interview
AFL Preview: A Decision in Hohenems
As the AFL begins to wrap up one of the most intriguing and exciting regular season's that have been seen in many years, every game has a taken a playoff character.
The game of the week sees the Raiffeisen Vikings of Vienna travelling across the country to the Cineplexx Blue Devils Hohenems, in Vorarlberg. The importance of this game is very clear: the winner is in the playoffs and the loser is not.
In the buildup to the game, we spoke with the Defensive Coordinator of the Vorarlbergers, Raymond Bonnell, about his opponent, his own team, an
Im Vorfeld des Spiels befragen wir den Defensive Coordinator der Vorarlberger Raymond Bonnell, über den Gegner, sein eigenes Team, his personal future and the upcoming European soccer tournament.
The Namenlosen: On Saturday you watched the Vikings vs Black Lions Game in Vienna. What are your impressions of this game?
Saturday was my first time in Hohe Warte, I was very impressed with the home crowd and their knowledge of the game. It was a great crowd; very noisy, and very involved. Footballwise, I was impressed with the improvement of the Lions. They've come together since we played them in week 1 and they have a much more organized approach to the game. I think in the first half they moved the ball well with some good play calling and execution, but things slipped in the redzone a few times and cost them because you have to play mistake-free football against the Vikings. As for Vienna, I was very interested in the play of new QB Steve Levy, he is clearly a top level QB with a strong arm who will give us problems on Sunday, but I was most impressed with his running. He is a Pac10 calibre running back and really packs a punch when he lowers his shoulder. That combination with Graham's speed & elusiveness makes a nasty combination for us Defensive Coordinators to defend.
The Namenlosen: Was it a big surprise to you that the Vikings risk RB Clinton Graham for the Black Lions Game?
I wasn't too surpised to see him out on the field; he is a very tough guy who will do anything to help the Vikings get into the playoffs. What surpised me most was the effectiveness with which he ran. You could see the pain in his eyes and body composure between plays, but once the ball was snapped he played with the great quickness and explosiveness that he is known for. Hopefully someone can convince him to take the day off on Sunday. :)
The Namenlosen: Do you expect him or other injured players back for Sunday's Game?
This is a must-win game for both of our teams, I expect Graham to be back and play as strong as ever, the other player I really expect to come back is Floredo, he's got to coach on Saturday, but I wouldn't be suprised to see him back in the mix. I'm not sure about Robinson & Wimmer, but if there is any possibility, I know Calaycay will pull all the stops this weekend in attempt to secure a win and get into the playoffs.
The Namenlosen: Let's talk about Sunday's Game against the Vikings. What are you're expectations for the game?
We've got a very good defense, but knowing Calacay's play calling abilities, great players, and even better adjustments, it will be a very strategic game of cat & mouse that has me very excited to test my skills as a Defensive Coordinator. Offensively, I think we have a solid system and can be as explosive as anyone in Austria. We should be able to put some points on the board, but Vienna has a strong defense as well. This is going to be a very intriguing game, I wish we could play it right now (would save me a lot of sleep this week).
The Namenlosen: Did you find any weakness in the Vikings Offense?
I wish. The Vikings have a very strong running attack which is only improved with QB Steve Levy. I'd expect to see more option with the two and a more balanced running attack this week. The passing game is not as innovative as it was with Atwood, but with another week of preparation, alot of things will open up for Levy and his comfort with the system and WRs. Calaycay knows his stuff and will put his boys in a position to succeed, I just hope to put my boys in their way. :)
The Namenlosen: What can the fans expect from the Game?
This game will be playoff style football: fast, hard-nosed, emotional, and violent. The Raiders, Giants, and Dragons have all secured playoff spots, so this game is for the 4th and final post-season slot. The stakes are very simple and very high, we have a very long June and are eliminated from the AFL playoffs if we lose. The Vikings are in if they win. I expect both teams to pull out all the stops and do everything they can to win. Fans should expect a high level of effort from the players on the field, creative playcalling, and big-time players making big time plays. If I were not coaching, this is the game I would be at this weekend.
The Namenlosen: Let's talk about the rest of the season: What do you think is possible for your team?
Well, we still have everything in our own control. In the AFL, if we win this weekend, we'll have to beat Carinthia or Graz to get to the playoffs, I think we have the talent to compete with the best in Austria, and barring an injury-fest like we had versus Tirol, we can still acheive our team goal of making it to the Austrian Bowl, but we must win Sunday. In the EFAF Cup, I feel very confident that we can move ahead. We need to take care of business next week and move on to the Semifinal. From there, who knows? We have a very serious goal of winning the EFAF Cup, and feel we have a team that can do so, but that bridge is far down the road and I have a very large bridge looming ahead of me Sunday.
The Namenlosen: Is it harder to be successful in Europe than in Austria?
I think both present unique challenges. In Austria, we know eachother's strengths and weaknesses very intimately. In Europe, you have about two games of film to learn the other team and it is difficult to get out and scout future opponents, there is often little known of the national players and what they see week-in, week-out in their own countries. So, each presents unique challenges that are difficult, but all part of the beauty of the game. The talent level is clearly very high in this country and the import rules make the league very competitive. This is why I came back to Austria to coach. We'll see, Austria is fielding a strong set teams in international play, with all 3 teams in the Quarterfinals of the EFL, and all 3 teams in the EFAF Cup are still very much alive and are making moves toward the Semifinals. Needless to say, it is a very good time to be a part of the AFL.
The Namenlosen: Do you have a contract with the Blue Devils for the 2009 season?
I do not yet have a contract with the Blue Devils for the 2009 season, there has been an expressed interest in my return but we've put those negotiations on the sideburner until June. Right now, I've got enough on my plate just trying to defend the high-powered offenses of the AFL.
The Namenlosen: Finally, a question about the European Soccer Tournament. Is it true that you are a big soccer fan?
It is true that I am a very large soccer fan. I haev already purchased an Austrian National team soccer jersey and hope that they can pull off some surpises in June. It would be awesome for the country, and the tournament for the Austrians to win a few games. I hope to see at least two games live and would love to be in attendance for the crazy atmosphere that will be the Austria-Germany group matchup in Vienna.
The Namenlosen: Are you also a fan of Austria, the country?
I have a very large place in my heart for this country. I married my beautiful wife here, discovered that I would be a father here, the people are very open and friendly. The vistas are absolutely stunning with a very diverse topography. Austria has a very unique culture and for myself and my family, Austria really is a second home to us.
Thank you for the interview!
Exclusive
Blue Devils-Coach Bonnell in Interview
AFL Preview: A Decision in Hohenems
As the AFL begins to wrap up one of the most intriguing and exciting regular season's that have been seen in many years, every game has a taken a playoff character.
The game of the week sees the Raiffeisen Vikings of Vienna travelling across the country to the Cineplexx Blue Devils Hohenems, in Vorarlberg. The importance of this game is very clear: the winner is in the playoffs and the loser is not.
In the buildup to the game, we spoke with the Defensive Coordinator of the Vorarlbergers, Raymond Bonnell, about his opponent, his own team, an
Im Vorfeld des Spiels befragen wir den Defensive Coordinator der Vorarlberger Raymond Bonnell, über den Gegner, sein eigenes Team, his personal future and the upcoming European soccer tournament.
The Namenlosen: On Saturday you watched the Vikings vs Black Lions Game in Vienna. What are your impressions of this game?
Saturday was my first time in Hohe Warte, I was very impressed with the home crowd and their knowledge of the game. It was a great crowd; very noisy, and very involved. Footballwise, I was impressed with the improvement of the Lions. They've come together since we played them in week 1 and they have a much more organized approach to the game. I think in the first half they moved the ball well with some good play calling and execution, but things slipped in the redzone a few times and cost them because you have to play mistake-free football against the Vikings. As for Vienna, I was very interested in the play of new QB Steve Levy, he is clearly a top level QB with a strong arm who will give us problems on Sunday, but I was most impressed with his running. He is a Pac10 calibre running back and really packs a punch when he lowers his shoulder. That combination with Graham's speed & elusiveness makes a nasty combination for us Defensive Coordinators to defend.
The Namenlosen: Was it a big surprise to you that the Vikings risk RB Clinton Graham for the Black Lions Game?
I wasn't too surpised to see him out on the field; he is a very tough guy who will do anything to help the Vikings get into the playoffs. What surpised me most was the effectiveness with which he ran. You could see the pain in his eyes and body composure between plays, but once the ball was snapped he played with the great quickness and explosiveness that he is known for. Hopefully someone can convince him to take the day off on Sunday. :)
The Namenlosen: Do you expect him or other injured players back for Sunday's Game?
This is a must-win game for both of our teams, I expect Graham to be back and play as strong as ever, the other player I really expect to come back is Floredo, he's got to coach on Saturday, but I wouldn't be suprised to see him back in the mix. I'm not sure about Robinson & Wimmer, but if there is any possibility, I know Calaycay will pull all the stops this weekend in attempt to secure a win and get into the playoffs.
The Namenlosen: Let's talk about Sunday's Game against the Vikings. What are you're expectations for the game?
We've got a very good defense, but knowing Calacay's play calling abilities, great players, and even better adjustments, it will be a very strategic game of cat & mouse that has me very excited to test my skills as a Defensive Coordinator. Offensively, I think we have a solid system and can be as explosive as anyone in Austria. We should be able to put some points on the board, but Vienna has a strong defense as well. This is going to be a very intriguing game, I wish we could play it right now (would save me a lot of sleep this week).
The Namenlosen: Did you find any weakness in the Vikings Offense?
I wish. The Vikings have a very strong running attack which is only improved with QB Steve Levy. I'd expect to see more option with the two and a more balanced running attack this week. The passing game is not as innovative as it was with Atwood, but with another week of preparation, alot of things will open up for Levy and his comfort with the system and WRs. Calaycay knows his stuff and will put his boys in a position to succeed, I just hope to put my boys in their way. :)
The Namenlosen: What can the fans expect from the Game?
This game will be playoff style football: fast, hard-nosed, emotional, and violent. The Raiders, Giants, and Dragons have all secured playoff spots, so this game is for the 4th and final post-season slot. The stakes are very simple and very high, we have a very long June and are eliminated from the AFL playoffs if we lose. The Vikings are in if they win. I expect both teams to pull out all the stops and do everything they can to win. Fans should expect a high level of effort from the players on the field, creative playcalling, and big-time players making big time plays. If I were not coaching, this is the game I would be at this weekend.
The Namenlosen: Let's talk about the rest of the season: What do you think is possible for your team?
Well, we still have everything in our own control. In the AFL, if we win this weekend, we'll have to beat Carinthia or Graz to get to the playoffs, I think we have the talent to compete with the best in Austria, and barring an injury-fest like we had versus Tirol, we can still acheive our team goal of making it to the Austrian Bowl, but we must win Sunday. In the EFAF Cup, I feel very confident that we can move ahead. We need to take care of business next week and move on to the Semifinal. From there, who knows? We have a very serious goal of winning the EFAF Cup, and feel we have a team that can do so, but that bridge is far down the road and I have a very large bridge looming ahead of me Sunday.
The Namenlosen: Is it harder to be successful in Europe than in Austria?
I think both present unique challenges. In Austria, we know eachother's strengths and weaknesses very intimately. In Europe, you have about two games of film to learn the other team and it is difficult to get out and scout future opponents, there is often little known of the national players and what they see week-in, week-out in their own countries. So, each presents unique challenges that are difficult, but all part of the beauty of the game. The talent level is clearly very high in this country and the import rules make the league very competitive. This is why I came back to Austria to coach. We'll see, Austria is fielding a strong set teams in international play, with all 3 teams in the Quarterfinals of the EFL, and all 3 teams in the EFAF Cup are still very much alive and are making moves toward the Semifinals. Needless to say, it is a very good time to be a part of the AFL.
The Namenlosen: Do you have a contract with the Blue Devils for the 2009 season?
I do not yet have a contract with the Blue Devils for the 2009 season, there has been an expressed interest in my return but we've put those negotiations on the sideburner until June. Right now, I've got enough on my plate just trying to defend the high-powered offenses of the AFL.
The Namenlosen: Finally, a question about the European Soccer Tournament. Is it true that you are a big soccer fan?
It is true that I am a very large soccer fan. I haev already purchased an Austrian National team soccer jersey and hope that they can pull off some surpises in June. It would be awesome for the country, and the tournament for the Austrians to win a few games. I hope to see at least two games live and would love to be in attendance for the crazy atmosphere that will be the Austria-Germany group matchup in Vienna.
The Namenlosen: Are you also a fan of Austria, the country?
I have a very large place in my heart for this country. I married my beautiful wife here, discovered that I would be a father here, the people are very open and friendly. The vistas are absolutely stunning with a very diverse topography. Austria has a very unique culture and for myself and my family, Austria really is a second home to us.
Thank you for the interview!
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