Albany Conquest Elevate Bill Cook to Defensive Coordinator
December 10, 2003 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Albany Firebirds News Release
Albany, N.Y., December 10, 2003 - The Albany Conquest of arenafootball2 (af2) announced today the elevation of Bill Cook to Defensive Coordinator for the 2004 season. At the same time, Watervliet High School Head Coach, Nick Fitzgerald has been named Offensive Line/Defensive Line Coach. In addition, Dave Bochette and Bruce Bochette will return from last year's coaching staff that led the Conquest to a second consecutive Northeast Division Championship.
"I am extremely pleased to have these coaches on our staff," said Conquest Head Coach Steve Matthews. "They have been an integral part of the team's success over the past two seasons, and I am confident in their abilities to help us reach our goal of a Championship in 2004," added Matthews.
Cook is returning for a third season with the Conquest and will be elevated to Defensive Coordinator. For the past two years, Cook has been Defensive Backs and Special Teams Coach with the Conquest and will continue with that responsibility in 2004. His coaching experience includes three seasons as a defensive assistant with the Firebirds (1990-1992). He was a college scouting intern with the Buffalo Bills in 1989.
Fitzgerald brings 14 years of coaching experience to the Conquest, including four years in arena football. He was Defensive Coordinator and FB/LB Coach for the Conquest during their 2002 season. In addition, Fitzgerald was Assistant OL/DL Coach and Prospective Players Coordinator for the Albany Firebirds of Arena Football League (AFL) from 1998-2000. He has been Head Coach for Watervliet High School since 1997 and was Defensive Coordinator for seven years prior to that.
Dave Bochette begins his second season with the Conquest and will continue to coach fullbacks and linebackers in 2004. In addition, Dave Bochette will assist in handling football operations for the team. Dave Bochette has an extensive coaching career that spans over 20-years, including six years as Head Coach at Hudson Valley Community College (1992-1997). Dave Bochette was the team's defensive coordinator for five years (1987-1991). He spent six years as Head Coach of Lansingburgh High School (1981-1986). Dave Bochette currently serves as Athletic Director of Lansingburgh Schools, President of the Capital Football Conference and committee member for Section II.
Bruce Bochette returns as the Conquest's Area Scout for a third year. Bruce Bochette spent 13 years as Recruiting Coordinator and Defensive Coach at Hudson Valley Community College (1985-1997). He was the Defensive Backs Coach at Lansingburgh High School in 1984.
The Albany Conquest play home games at the Pepsi Arena. The arenafootball2 season goes from April through July. For season tickets, call (518) 487-2222 or go on line to www.albanyconquest.com.
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