The West Coast Eagles supports a number of teams in international competitions and one of them – the DC Eagles – is doing big things.
By Gary Stocks
Original Story: https://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/1029084/dc-eagles-put-stamp-on-usafl
As one might gather from the name, the DC Eagles are based in Washington DC and is one of the more established and progressive aligned clubs playing in a range of competitions around the world.
After a long and challenging season in the US, the DC Eagles took the second largest contingent to the USAFL National tournament in Austin Texas with over 60 players, fielding a full Division 2 men’s team, full Division 1 women’s team, and combining with Des Moines to field a team in men’s Division 4.
While the Division 4 side did not make it past the group stages with a gritty 1-2, the women finished #3 in the country, and the Division 2 men took out the trophy with comprehensive victories in all games, including against the Boston Demons in the Grand Final.
The seniors were bolstered by ex-Saint Brodie Murdoch, who was unlucky to be edged out for best on ground by teammate, ex-college basketballer, and DC all-round-great-guy Sam James [Rowley].
The USAFL Nationals claims to be the largest AFL tournament in the world, and is a high spirited, eclectic celebration of everything good about the game.
For their efforts our coach Lucas Johnson was awarded Women’s Coach of the Year, and president Seth Sternberg was awarded President of the Year.
But really all 60 players, and many more back in DC and around the world, came together to celebrate the Division 2 win as an effort shared across the whole team, and as reward for a lot of personal dedication and sacrifice through a particularly challenging year and extended period for the club.
The West Coast Eagles congratulates the DC Eagles on a wonderful season and on their efforts to grow the greatest game in the world in new frontiers
