Coach Mink Takes on Brazilian National Championships
August 16, 2013 - Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL)
Lakeland Raiders News Release
After a long Raiders season Coach Mink decided to head back to Brazil to continue teaching the sport he loves. Mink has been in the city of Manaus for a month coaching and preparing the Cavaliers for the Brazilian National Championships.
American football is still a new concept for most of South America, language barriers and a lack of insight drive some away from the idea, yet some are still eager enough to learn.
"They're beyond willing to learn the game of American football. Their hard work and dedication to becoming better men on and off the field shows me they're ready to face their first opponent this Sunday," said Coach Mink.
During the teams three week training camp they participated regularly in gym, pool and on the field activities. The team has even adopted a defensive mindset Mink uses frequently back home, "hunt, kill, and eat" or in Brazil, "Caçar matar comer."
Mink approached the idea of returning to Brazil this summer by channeling his inner passion to continue coaching. Not only to make the team better and show them their hard work can pay off, but to continue to educate these young men with the same sport he has always loved.
The depth of this team has improved tremendously and there is a lot of football still to be played in the next four months. During that time the state and national championships will be held and the Cavaliers are excited to be participating in both.
Some standout players Mink highlighted throughout training camp include:
FB Paulo Barcelos rockin the Cavalier's Helmet
LB Guilherme Loureiro
Fullback Paulo Barcelos
Running Back Talyson Bisneto "Cardinal"
Wide receiver Diego Oliveira
Offensive Lineman Caldas Carvalho & Janderson Andrade
Free Safety Celso Pinto
Defensive Lineman Philipe Lavor
Strong Safety Diogo Rayro
The team will be facing their first opponent of the season Sunday when they line up against the Belem Para Titans @ 10am. Mink believes the team is ready for the Titans Sunday, "they have thoroughly prepared and it will translate on the field."
It will be an awkward feeling for Mink post Sunday as he prepares for his departure from the place he's called home the past month.
"It is going to be sad to leave since these guys have become family to me and I want nothing less for them then a national championship," explained Mink.
Stay tuned for the results Monday to see if the Cavaliers have persevered to a triumphant victory in their first game of the year!
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Ultimate Indoor Football League Stories from August 16, 2013
- Coach Mink Takes on Brazilian National Championships - Lakeland Raiders
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