Behind the Scenes: Hectic schedule for the Hammerheads

At the stadium – this is where most fans see the Wilmington Hammerheads players throughout the season. What general resources are needed to provide this entertainment? The match does not just consist of the players showing up, taking the field and playing when the whistle blows. What about when the team travels halfway across the country? Most tend to shrug off the logistics of the organization, or don’t have the faintest idea what goes on behind the scenes and what the players have to endure – and that is okay.

Travel is planned weeks in advance. Let’s put the next few weeks for the Hammerheads in perspective, shall we? The team concluded their fourth home match of the regular season on Saturday with a 2-1 win versus the LA Blues. Coach Irving originally called for practice on Sunday morning, but dismissed his decision to give the players a day of rest before traveling to Austin, TX for the second round of the 2013 U.S. Open Cup on Monday afternoon. The chosen squad traveling for the Hammerheads is packed and ready to carpool to ILM Aiport to arrive by 1:00 p.m. for their 2:20 p.m. flight to San Antonio, TX at this point. Remind you, U.S. Open Cup is a fast-paced tournament and travel plans are made within days once the draw for each round is released. Shortly after12:00 p.m. on Monday, the flight out of ILM is unexpectedly cancelled hours before it is due to take off. These are situations every team must prepare for that most do not realize can happen quite frequently. At the time, the team was set to play in less than 36 hours almost halfway across the United States and they were in Wilmington with a cancelled flight.

When it comes to travel, when one thing changes, other changes must be made soon thereafter. Flights were being booked by the minute out of Raleigh, Charlotte, and Jacksonville, NC. Coach Irving prefers to not fly out on the same day as a match because it can effect the players tremendously, but some times when the odds are against you, you have no choice but to make due. This isn’t a game that you can reschedule for a later date or a month down the road. Other matches in the tournament are determined by the outcome of this game and are set to take place in a weeks time. Coach Irving and the team were grounded for the remainder of the day and took an early flight out of ILM Tuesday morning that occurred while most people were still in bed. Nonetheless, the team is hyped and ready for their encounter in Austin and have made the trip accordingly.

This is just one example. What about matches played within days of one another? Following the U.S. Open Cup match, the Hammerheads will return to Wilmington to travel to Florida this weekend, three matches in six days set on their calendar. The Hammerheads will play Orlando City at the Florida Citrus Bowl on Saturday, followed by their debut match versus VSI Tampa Bay at Plant City Stadium on Sunday. If all goes well for the Hammerheads in Austin, TX against the Austin Aztex (PDL), they will advance to the third round of the U.S. Open Cup and will play in Portland, OR on Wednesday, May 29 versus MLS’s Portland Timbers. The Hammerheads are then set to play on their home pitch of Legion Stadium hosting the Phoenix FC Wolves for the first time on Saturday, June 1.

The U.S. Open Cup match between the Wilmington Hammerheads and Austin Aztex will not be streamed live, but you can follow the Aztex on Twitter: @AustinAztex | @Aztex_MatchCast | @ATXsoccer for play-by-play updates during the match. The match kicks off at 8:30 p.m. EST. Also, follow the Hammerheads @Wilmhammerheads for game information and re-tweets.

Recruiting only the Best: Hammerhead Combines 2013

The 2013 USL season is quickly approaching! With the preseason games starting next month, it’s time to recruit new Hammerhead players. The Hammerheads will be hosting two combines for this upcoming season. The first tryout was held this  past weekend (February 16th-17th) and the second one will be March 16th-17th. Both tryouts will be held from 10:00am-12:00pm at Legion stadium. Coach Irving is excited to see what talent is in store for this upcoming season in hopes of being a USL PRO finalist team for the second year in a row.

The Hammerheads are proud to announce the return of a few players! These players include: Gareth Evans (defender), Paul Nicholson (midfielder),  and Mark Briggs (midfielder). Mark Briggs is not only a returning Hammerhead player, but a returning Assistant Coach. Also, a former goal keeper, Kyle Polak, will not be returning as a player this season, but will continue to work with the Hammerheads as a Keeper Coach. Coach Irving hopes to find great talent and leadership ability in new, potential players just as these men exhibit. Get excited Hammerhead fans; It’s going to be a great season!!

For further information, contact the Wilmington Hammerheads office at (910) 777-2111 or online at www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com.

IT’S HAMMER TIME!!!

New Year, New Season

The Wilmington Hammerheads were just shy of bringing the Championship Cup to Wilmington at the end of the 2012 USL PRO season after an unfortunate 1-nil loss in Charleston versus the Battery. So what followed for the Hammerheads as the off-season began to loom?

The Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) of the USL was the next stop for Hammerheads players Troy Cole, Troy Hernandez and Andriy Budnyy. Cole relocated his skills north with the Rochester Lancers while the Baltimore Blast signed Hernandez after his impressive playoff run. Budnyy took a route not far from Cole in New York to play for the Syracuse Silver Knights for his second consecutive year.

A few players call Wilmington home year-round and fulfill new occupations for the time being until preseason starts. Coaching youth soccer for the local soccer clubs in community and conducting personal training sessions are examples of how the Hammerheads fill up their weekly schedules. In October, Head Coach David Irving, Assistant Coach Mark Briggs, veteran player Paul Nicholson and Hammerheads staff volunteered at the 2012 New Hanover County Special Olympics Fall Games hosting soccer drills and games.

Coach Irving and the Hammerheads hosted their first of three local combines for next season during the first weekend of December hoping for any potential talent to add to the building roster. As the holiday season approached, so did the opportunity for Hammers fans to participate in indoor youth clinics, Toys for Tots and our Holiday Hoopla at Legion Stadium. The Hoopla was held the same day as the combine and was a great chance for fans to “kickoff” the season, in both holiday and soccer terms. No one could have asked for a nicer or warmer day in December to host the Hoopla which was followed by a free youth clinic down on the turf.

It was another noteworthy year for the Wilmington Hammerheads organization as Owner Bill Rudisill was inducted into the 2012 USL Hall of Fame succeeding Head Coach David Irving whom was inducted in 2011. The ceremony took place in Clearwater Beach, FL at the USL Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the company of the staff from all USL properties including USL PRO, MISL, PDL and more. Rudisill was the first of the night to be inducted among his fellow inductees. Inducting Rudisill was his son and former Hammerheads player, Garrison. Coach Irving also took the stage with his witty charm as he inducted his long-time friend and opponent Laurie Calloway as a Coach in the 2012 USL Hall of Fame. The Hammerheads were also awarded the 2012 USL PRO Progress Award.

Garrison and Bill Rudisill

For many, going home was at the top of their to-do list as Christmas and New Year’s began to close in. Currently, Coach Irving and Assistant Coach Briggs are in their native England at the Football Association’s new training facility at St. Georges Park scouting for potential players to add to the Hammerheads 2013 squad. The Hammerheads have partnered with Pro Soccer Consulting  (PSC) which helps teams organize combines throughout the world for the second time during the off-season. The Hammerheads combine held in Ft. Lauderdale, FL back in November was the first time partnering with PSC.

Turning the corner into the New Year brings the excitement for the season. New and old faces will appear on the pitch at Legion Stadium in 2013, some even as a Hammerheads turned opponents. Until then, stay up-to-date with all the stories, signings, and events that increase the hype until the 2013 Home Opener! HTID!

Support the Everton Former Players’ Foundation

Throughout the years there have been soccer players idolized by fans all over the world.  Their favorite players seemed invincible and they wished they could play forever.  Unfortunately, a player’s career can only last so long.  Do you ever wonder what happens to players once they retire?  For some, they continue their careers in soccer by coaching or becoming analysts on television.  Others may choose to start a family and a career in another industry.  Many find success, but others endure hardship.  Some of these former players are overcome with physical, monetary, or addiction problems and have no one to turn to.

The Everton Former Players’ Foundation is an association committed to helping former Everton players that are having trouble.  This is an organization very close to Hammerheads Coach, David Irving, a former Everton player himself.  He believes strongly in helping players that have not been as fortunate as others.  The mission of the Foundation states the following three points:

• To relieve, in cases of need, hardship or distress, persons who are or have been former players of Everton Football Club and the widows and dependents of such persons.
• To educate young persons through their leisure time activities.
• To provide or assist in the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupations in the interests of social welfare for the public benefit.

I spoke with Philip Ross, a member of the EFPF, and he wanted to speak to the fact that organization does more than just help former players in hard times.  He said, “Although the main aim of the Foundation is to help former Everton players, the charity is also set up to help young people through sporting activity”.  They have sponsored a U17 team in Liverpool that is located in a rougher area of Liverpool.  He also mentioned that the Foundation sends former players into the homes of other former players and fans who have Alzheimer’s and dementia to try and help stimulate their memories.  Additionally, they help Everton’s charity arm, Everton in the Community, with various projects for the public by providing former players for their events.

The Wilmington Hammerheads have connections with this charity through former players Coach Irving and Cody Arnoux and are committed to help this organization help others.  On Saturday August 4^th at 7:30 PM, the Hammerheads will be playing the Charleston Battery at Legion Stadium.  In support of the Everton Former Players’ Foundation, the Port City Firm will be raffling off soccer memorabilia to raise money for the charity.  Many teams throughout the USL Pro League will be participating as well.  Items to be raffled include a signed Tim Howard training top, 2012 D.C. United jersey signed by the entire team, a 2012 Charleston Battery jersey, Hammerheads memorabilia, and other items as well.  We ask that everyone come out to the game and support the EFPF by participating in the raffle.  The only way the Foundation can help former players and the younger generation, is through the generosity of you, the fans.  For more information about the Foundation please check out their website at www.evertonfpf.org.

-Hilary Adams

Additional Items Below are Up for Grabs!

Signed Orlando City Game Jersey

Signed Richmond Kickers Game Jersey

Hammerheads’ Classics: Head Coach David Irving

A look back at the life of Hammerheads’ Head Coach David Irving

It’s a rainy afternoon in mid-June and David Irving is growing frustrated.  He watches stoically as his British countrymen battle the French to a 1-1 draw in the 2012 European Football Championship. “Didn’t even touch him,” Irving mutters after Frank Ribery takes a dive that the referee rewards with a free kick.  Across from Irving sits Hammerheads’ owner Bill Rudisill who occasionally discusses the match with the long time Hammerheads head coach and friend.  Irving is a good man to talk to, the 60 year-old Workington, England native knows the game better than anyone in the restaurant that day.

Before Irving heads back to the Hammerheads office to plan for the team’s next game, he addresses concerns about the weather forcast.  The team is scheduled to have its annual team picture taken in front of Battleship North Carolina the next day despite a forboding 80% chance of rain.  “What’s it matter?” Irving scoffed, “We’ll be out there in the 20%.”  “Irving The Optimist”, a nickname that many of the USL referees would disagree with.  It’s a safe bet that at some point during a Hammerheads match Irving will give the referees an earful.  The Hammerheads squeaked out a 1-0 win against the Pittsburg Riverhounds earlier this season, despite a final whistle that sounded after a head scratching amount of extra time.  “Six minutes!” Irving berated the fourth official in his unmistakeable British accent. “What for?!”

Members of The Port City Firm have certainly learned a few colorful adult words from their perch above the team’s bench this season, but Irving’s not terribly concerned if he leaves a few ears burning. He’s not the bashful type, but his ability to cope with unexpected dissapointments is truly remarkable.  “Where are the lollipops!” Irving challenges the office staff one afternoon. “Lollipops!!!” “We’re all out coach,” comes the unwelcome reply. Irving takes a moment to let the news sink in as staff members in the room subtly search for hiding spots should the coach erupt.  Just as an intern takes a step toward the inadequate protection beneath a nearby desk, Irving offers a cheerful, “Well shit happens,” and proceeds to bellow his rendition of the French national anthem.  Irving ends his patriotic tune and returns to his office; the intern preparing an escape plan seconds before cracks a smile, and so goes another day in the Hammerheads’ office with David Irving.

It’s been a long road to Wilmington for Irving.  As a boy growing up in the small coastal city of Workington, England, even Irving couldn’t have imagined how far soccer would take him.  Irving played in England, Ireland, and Finland before making his way to southern Florida in what proved to be his final stop as a player.  Workington AFC of England’s fourth division gave Irving his first shot at professional soccer, and the crafty striker took full advantage of the opportunity; scoring 16 goals on 65 appearances for The Reds.  Irving’s finishing ability impressed more than just the team’s fans, prompting Everton FC of the English Premier League to see for themselves the 22 year-old who was tearing up the English country side.  Everton scouts were more than a little impressed; prompting The Toffees of Liverpool to secure Irving for a record £30,000 youth transfer fee.

Everton certianly had the money.  During the 1970’s Everton was England’s richest and most successful club securing the best talent from around the world.  Irving played in Liverpool for four years and has nothing but positive memories about his experience with Everton.

During the mid-1970’s Irving was loaned to several teams including Oldham Athletic of Manchester, England, and the Shamrock Rovers of Dublin, Ireland.  As 1978 approached the 27 year-old was beginning to tire of shepards pie and when the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the North American Soccer League (NASL) expressed interest, Irving headed to the States excited to experience U.S. soccer and a premium glass of orange juice.  Fort Lauderdale offered a unique opportunity for Irving as the NASL was thriving in the soccer-starved United States.  The Strikers averaged close to 15,000 fans per game in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s and Irving didn’t dissapoint the sun-soaked patrons who took a rare hiatus from the golf course to watch the team at Lockhart Stadium.  Irving, along with othr foreign stars including German Gerd Müller and Peruvian Teofilo Cubillas, led the Strikers to four straight playoff appearances from 1977-1980.  Players who had made names for themselves around the world flocked to the United States toward the end of their careers, eager to impress Americans who had never witnessed such quality soccer.

Irving led the team with 16 goals in 1978 and tallied a total of 27 goals over four seasons with the Stikers ranking him 6^th on the team’s all-time scoring list.  Irving’s fondest memories of his time with the Strikers invovle not only interactions with his teammates, but also with the competition.  Irving believes that former New York Cosmos’ star Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, is the best player in the history of soccer.  Irving is adamant that, “Pele was a fabulous, explosive player even at the end of his career, a great human being, a great ambassador for the game, the greatest player that ever lived.  To have a conversation with him was an honor.”

The Cosmos were indeed the pride of the league during the late 1970’s averaging over 40,000 fans per game.  Irving experienced that raucous atmosphere several times as the Strikers traveled to New York for league matches.  Irving played in front of over 70,000 people three times, including a 1977 playoff match against the Cosmos that broke a United States soccer attendance record with 78,000 fans packing Giants Stadium.  The record stood for 19 years, but success was fleeting for the NASL.  The league ceased operations in 1984 largely because it was ahead of its time, Irving claims.

Irving left the Strikers after the 1980 season and bounced between several other U.S. squads before ultimately calling it quits in 1981.  Irving refused to completely leave the game he loved and began his coaching career with Finnish side Oulun Palloseura.  Irving returned to Florida in 1990 to coach for the Miami Freedom, but was fired only a few games into the season.  As many of life’s perceived failures go, his firing turned out to be a blessing in disguise.  Nine years later, Irving finally made it to his current home in Wilmington.

In 1999 Irving had no idea his career with the Hammerheads would be as long or fruitful as it has been.  “That’s life, that’s football,” Irving shrugs as he leans back in his office, gazing at a room adorned with dozens of mementos from his playing days.   Irving is content watching his players compete at Legion Stadium this season. The 60 year-old has no thoughts of a Michael Jordan-like come back. Rest assured, David Irving can be found manning the end of the team’s bench this summer, arms crossed, tonsils roaring, and if he’s lucky, a lollipop tucked safely in his pocket for post-game, ready to celebrate another Hammerheads’ victory.

 -Grant Stimmel