1998 – 2008

SEASON TEN: 2008 – “Another Shot At The Title”
A new season, a new committee, and new goals face the Baltimore Washington Eagles.

There’s a lot on the table for the the Eagles as all eyes around the country will be watching, learning and following in the club’s footsteps. Already known as being one of the top teams on the rise both on the field as well as off of it, the Eagles have constantly raised the bar and have taken the first steps to develop Ausball, a game that other clubs are modeling themselves after.

Other big things to be on the look out for before the season begins will be a men’s team that will travel to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for a Spring football tournament, divisional clashes with Boston, New York, North Carolina and Philadelphia as well as an appearance at the 2008 USAFL National Tournament to be held in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For the men, there will also be a continuation of games on the local level with Metro footy which will now be broken into two seasons; a Spring and a Fall season.

The club will be further enhancing themselves with the development of a full-team, women’s side as well thanks in part to the Ausball seasons from 2007. On the women’s front, a couple of games are being scheduled with women’s teams from Atlanta and Arizona to hone the skills before a full side travels to Colorado as well.

There will be a number of social events scheduled ranging from the usual (Golf Classic, Pub Quiz Night, live viewing of the AFL Grand Final) to the unusual (a Pub Crawl, Tubing, etc.).

GP Wins Losses PF    PA     %
5     5       0      261  117    223.08

12 Apr. – WIN – BWE 3.1.19 df. Florida Squids 0.7.7 at Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Tournament)
12 Apr. – WIN – BWE 1.4.10 df. New York Magpies 1.3.9 at Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Tournament)
12 Apr. – WIN – BWE 4.3.27 df. Denver Bulldogs 1.3.9 at Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Tournament)
26 Apr. – WIN – BWE 19.19.133 df. North Carolina Tigers 3.5.23 at Poolesville, Maryland
17 May – BWE (two metro teams) vs. Philadelphia Hawks (two metro teams) at Philadelphia, PA
07 Jun. – WIN – BWE 9.18.72 df. Boston Demons 10.9.69 at Canton, Massachusetts
12 Jul. – BWE vs. New York Magpies at Baltimore, Maryland
26 Jul. – BWE vs. North Carolina Tigers at Raleigh, North Carolina
09 Aug. – BWE vs. Philadelphia Hawks at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
20 Sep. – BWE vs. Philadelphia Hawks at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

SEASON NINE: 2007 – “One Of The Big Clubs”

Officers of the Club in 2007 -

President: Rob Brunton; Vice Presidents:Chris Carroll & Garth Elliott; Secretary:
Dave Schall; Treasurer: Tony Goodman; Head Coach: Matt Bishop

Award Winners in 2007 -

Best & Fairest: Shane Frearson; Runner-up:Matt Bishop; Most Consistent: Shane Frearson; Most Improved: Geoff Hamshar;Best First Year Player: Rich Strayer; Coach’s Award: Greg Borchardt; President’s Award:Tom Barrett & Dave Schall; Tom Weeks Memorial Clubman Award: Matt Bishop;USAFL Nationals MVP: Dwayne Marshall

After a solid effort (and another National Title) in 2006, the Eagles entered 2007 with lofty expectations and a challenge to themselves to climb the USAFL ladder to the top.

Working on the homegrown aspect of the game, the Eagles created an entire season of Ausball, a co-ed, non-contact version of the game to entice new players to learn about the game, have some fun and possibly build on the club roster. Along with Ausball, the Eagles also ran the usual Metro games between Baltimore, DC and Northern Virginia. Interspersed throughout the weekends, the Eagles put on a show like never before with their men’s side, sweeping all divisional games in the Eastern Australian Football League and proudly walking off the regular season undefeated, with sound victories all around. As if that wasn’t enough for the club, the team kept active with a variety of social events and activities. Ranging from the usual paintball and golf classic to hosting the live viewing of the AFL Grand Final at a newly acquired sponsor pub, Hamilton’s, the team bonded closely over the course of the season.

To celebrate the United States Australian Football League’s tenth year of existence, the Eagles submitted their Team of the Decade as well as participated in the National Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky as a Division One headliner. Walking undefeated into Sunday with great wins against Boston and Orange County, the Eagles finally met their match against the mighty Denver Bulldogs who scored a decent victory against the Blue and Gold (as well as walked through the Grand Final to take another National Championship). With a disappointing loss after such a winning roll, made the team realize that the next level of play is just a few steps away and that this is a premiere club that still hasn’t hit it’s peak. The club also fielded a nine-women’s team that weekend, another exciting milestone and notch on the success barometer.

GP Wins Losses PF PA %
8 7 1 546 298 183.22

05 May – WIN – BWE 9.14.68 df. North Carolina Tigers 9.12.66 at Garner, North Carolina
09 Jun. – WIN – BWE 17.7.109 df. North Carolina Tigers 4.4.28 at Poolesville, Maryland
23 Jun. – WIN – BWE 13.19.97 df. Boston Demons 10.9.69 at Washington, DC
25 Aug. – WIN – BWE 11.11.77 df. New York Magpies 4.8.32 at Floral Park, New York
08 Sep. – WIN – BWE 14.14.98 df. Philadelphia Hawks 2.5.17 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
13 Oct. – WIN – BWE 6.2.38 df. Boston Demons 3.3.21 at Louisville, Kentucky
13 Oct. – WIN – BWE 7.4.46 df. Orange County Bombers 3.5.23 at Louisville, Kentucky
14 Oct. – LOSS – Denver Bulldogs 6.6.42 df. BWE 2.1.13 at Louisville, Kentucky
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SEASON EIGHT: 2006 – “The Sweet Taste Of Victory”

Officers of the Club in 2006 -

President: Rob Brunton; Vice Presidents:Garth Elliott & Clint Schipper; Secretary:
Dave Schall; Treasurer: Dave Waldron; Head Coach: Matt Bishop

Award Winners in 2006 -

Best & Fairest: RJ Wheelock; Runner-up:Kevin Stanley; Most Consistent: RJ Wheelock;Most Improved: Damien Moore; Best First Year Player: Kevin Stanley; Coach’s Award:Dave Schall; President’s Award: Josh Worner;Tom Weeks Memorial Clubman Award: Amy Bishop; Club Champion: Dave Schall; USAFL Nationals MVP: Joe O’Dwyer; Life Member Induction: Denis Ryan (#42)

With a great foundation in place, the Eagles decided to build on the sudden splurge of youth that was coming into the club from Northern Virginia and DC. Adding fifteen new players to the roster, with the majority coming right out of college, the Eagles primary goal of 2006 was to focus on skills, fitness and family.

For skills and fitness, the Eagles ran a successful 12-game Metro season which was capped by DC winning over Northern Virginia by three points. The Eagles also played another round of EAFL action (Boston, New York, Philadelphia and North Carolina) as well as throwing in an extra game against New York’s B-side, the Gotham. Though the results on the scoreboard were mixed, the club was head and shoulders above where they were just a year prior.

To make sure everyone felt like a family, the Eagles kept busy with their social calendar including a variety of activities for players and their families/friends; paintball, a golf tournament, tubing, white-water rafting, a pub quiz night and a live viewing of the AFL Grand Final between the West Coast Eagles and the Sydney Swans. The club also held a number of USFootyKids clinics teaching 6-12 year olds the basics of the game such as handballing, taking a mark and kicking the ball.

Heading out to Las Vegas, Nevada for the 2006 USAFL National Tournament, the Eagles had a feeling they could do some damage in the Division Two, Pool B bracket they landed in. What they didn’t know was the amount of team chemistry and great footy they could play in that particular weekend. With solid victories against Calgary, Seattle and Dallas, the Eagles found themselves in the Division Two Grand Final against an up and coming Minnesota team. With a ton of momentum and relying on a perfect blend of veteran leadership and rookie energy, the Eagles flew high with a 10.9 (69) to 2.0 (12) victory, thus claiming their second national title in eight years.

GP Wins Losses PF PA %
9 6 3 458 354 129.37

22 Apr. – LOSS – North Carolina Tigers 13.13.91 df. BWE 4.4.28 at Durham, North Carolina
13 May – LOSS – New York Magpies 12.5.77 df. BWE 6.7.43 at Baltimore, Maryland
03 Jun. – LOSS – Boston Demons 7.8.50 df. BWE 4.3.27 at Boston, Massachusetts
26 Aug. – WIN – BWE 7.15.57 df. Philadelphia Hawks 6.6.42 at Washington, DC
09 Sep. – WIN – BWE 12.9.81 df. New York Gotham 2.4.16 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
07 Oct. – WIN – BWE 7.5.47 df. Calgary Kangaroos 3.2.20 at Las Vegas, Nevada
07 Oct. – WIN – BWE 6.7.43 df. Seattle Grizzlies 3.3.21 at Las Vegas, Nevada
08 Oct. – WIN – BWE 10.3.63 df. Dallas Magpies 4.1.25 at Las Vegas, Nevada
08 Oct. – WIN – BWE 10.9.69 df. Minnesota Freeze 2.0.12 at Las Vegas, Nevada

SEASON SEVEN: 2005 – “An Overhaul And A New Direction For The Club”

Officers of the Club in 2005 -

President: Dave Schall; Vice Presidents: Garth Elliott & Mark Goldsmith; Secretary:
PJ Anderer; Treasurer: Chris Mixter; Head Coach: Denis Ryan

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Award Winners in 2005 -

Best & Fairest: Garth Elliott; Runner-up:Dwayne Marshall; Most Consistent: Matt Bishop; Most Improved: Kevin Smith; Best First Year Player: Dave Waldron; Coach’s Award: Dean Clatworthy; President’s Award:Rob Brunton; Tom Weeks Memorial Clubman Award: Denis Ryan

The year 2005 offered the Eagles a chance to head in a new direction as a football club as well as within the USAFL community. With a new committee at the helm, the Eagles joined on with Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Florida and North Carolina to form the EAFL (Eastern Australian Football League). This seven club league would play each other once over the course of the season and result in placement for the 2005 USAFL National Tournament.

The Eagles would also continue with Metro games to introduce the game to newcomers and keep the fitness levels in check with veteran players. As the games continued on over the course of the season, the level of competition increased, and saw a revitalized Northern Virginia team take the inaugural Denis Ryan Metro Cup.

A new concept introduced this particular season was a summer hiatus. Two months off to allow players to travel on their own and serve as a break from the hot summer months that previously decimated games and player enthusiasm.

Upon returning from the break, the Eagles focused their attention to the 2005 USAFL Nationals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where returning to Division Two, they were paired against Golden Gate, St. Louis and new division rivals, Florida. Having fallen early in close games to St. Louis and Golden Gate, the Eagles rallied to beat a tough Florida squad that flogged the club earlier in the year. With another successful season under wraps and with many new personalities to the club, the Eagles looked forward to bettering themselves in all aspects of the 2006 season.

GP Wins Losses PF PA %
10 4 6 332 513 64.71

16 Apr. – LOSS – Florida Redbacks 14.16.100 df. BWE 1.3.9 at Sarasota, Florida
21 May – WIN – BWE 12.7.79 df. Pittsburgh Wallabies 3.2.20 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
21 May – LOSS – New York Magpies 12.12.84 df. BWE 1.1.7 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
04 Jun. – LOSS – New York Magpies 10.10.70 df. BWE 4.3.27 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
04 Jun. – FORFEIT – Boston Demons 11.7.73 df. BWE 3.9.27 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
18 Jun. – WIN – BWE 9.8.62 df. North Carolina Tigers 6.12.48 at Baltimore, Maryland
10 Sep. – WIN – BWE 10.7.67 df. Philadelphia Hawks 4.10.34 at Baltimore, Maryland
01 Oct. – LOSS – St. Louis Blues 5.10.40 df. BWE 1.4.10 at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
01 Oct. – LOSS – Golden Gate Roos 2.3.15 df. BWE 1.6.12 at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
02 Oct. – WIN – BWE 5.2.32 df. Florida Redbacks 4.5.29 at Milwaukee, Wisconsin

SEASON SIX: 2004 – “Grassroots Effort Keeps The Club Active And Intact”

Officers of the Club in 2004 -

President: Rob Brunton; Vice Presidents: Paul McIntyre & Sue Weeks; Secretary:
Tee DeConnick; Treasurer: Matt Robinson;Head Coach: Josh Worner

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Award Winners in 2004 -

Best & Fairest: Dwayne Marshall; Runner-up:James Nicholls; Most Consistent: Garth Elliott;Most Improved: Danny Carr & Mark Goldsmith; Best First Year Player: RJ Wheelock; Coach’s Award: Dean Clatworthy;President’s Award: Laurence Gration; Tom Weeks Memorial Clubman Award: Rob Brunton

With the majority of the club returning for another season of footy, the Eagles decided to plow hard with their Metro schedule, making sure new players had an opportunity to practice their new skills. With high levels of intensity, the three Metro teams (DC, Northern Virginia and Baltimore) found that not only were the Metro games building on player techniques, but these games were becoming productive recruitment tools. Large numbers of spectators watching the nine-on-nine games started inquiring about the club and showing up to practices.

By mid-season, the Eagles were in full-throttle mode taking on teams from Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Nashville on a return road game to Music City, Tennessee. With losses in each games, the Eagles knew that this had to be a learning process and in turn, focused on the social side of things.

Building upon a solid core of experienced Australian and American players, the Eagles brandished a competitive squad at the 2004 Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia. Dropping to the lowest division, the Eagles found themselves the heavy favorite among “combined” squads from all over the country. Lined up to take on the Eagles were teams from Cincinnati/Pittsburgh, Mojave Greens/Tucson and Milwaukee B/Minnesota. The Eagles dominated all but one close game against the Cincinnati/Pittsburgh team, who eventually went on to win the championship for the division. The Eagles faced a depressing off season filled with questions of who will step up and which direction would the club take.

GP Wins Losses PF PA %
9 2 7 269 495 54.34

05 Jun. – LOSS – New York Magpies 10.13.73 df. BWE 2.10.22 at Bronx, New York
26 Jun. – LOSS – Boston Demons 16.17.113 df. BWE 1.2.8 at Baltimore, Maryland
07 Aug. – LOSS – Philadelphia Hawks 10.6.66 df. BWE 4.16.40 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
21 Aug. – LOSS – New York Magpies 7.6.48 df. BWE 1.2.8 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
21 Aug. – LOSS – Philadelphia Hawks 6.7.43 df. BWE 1.2.8 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
28 Aug. – LOSS – Nashville Roos 17.15.117 df. BWE 8.6.54 at Nashville, Tennessee
09 Oct. – WIN – BWE 10.13.73 df. Milwaukee/Minnesota 0.0.0 at Atlanta, Georgia
09 Oct. – LOSS – Cincinnati/Pittsburgh 5.2.32 df. BWE 1.4.10 at Atlanta, Georgia
10 Oct. – WIN – BWE 7.4.46 df. Mojave/Tucson 0.3.3 at Atlanta, Georgia

SEASON FIVE: 2003 – “Fresh Start; Flying Under The Radar In The USAFL”

Officers of the Club in 2003 -

President: Rob Brunton; Vice Presidents: Paul McIntyre & Dave Schall; Secretary:
Julie Betts; Treasurer: Michael “Tiger” Fay;Head Coach: Jay Hunter

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Award Winners in 2003 -

Best & Fairest: Michael Waller; Runner-up:John Phair; Most Consistent: John Phair; Most Improved: Rich Williamson; Best First Year Player: Scott Baumgartner; Coach’s Award:Michael Waller; President’s Award: Denis Ryan; Tom Weeks Memorial Clubman Award:Rob Brunton; Life Member Induction: Jay Hunter (#19)

At the start of the 2003 season, activity within the club took a new course of action. Momentum was shifting for the better with a new and enthusiastic committee elected. A new website and new “modern” jumpers arrived made the club feel like a fresh new coat of paint had been added to the machine.

With new energy, the club decided to dedicate most of it’s weekends to recruiting new players and teaching them the basic skills of the game through both NEAFL games (against Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Lehigh/Western PA), and through its metro games which pitted players against each other based on their residence (Baltimore, D.C. and Herndon, Virginia). Players were provided with enough time to hone their skills and bond at the social events afterwards through these local competitions.

With a good season under wing, the Eagles completed the season at 6-5 and set themselves to make a mark on the 2003 Nationals. With a good mix of new players and veteran players, the Eagles felt confident about their bracket selection.

Returning to Kansas City, the Eagles maintained their division two status and faced the likes of Milwaukee, Nashville and Arizona. The team flew below the radar for the weekend, holding fast to a 1-2 record. With all of the games being close in score, the Eagles put what they had on the line against all their opponents. New Eagles player, Michael Waller was voted “Best in Tournament” for the division and this became the perfect opportunity for the new players to see footy on it’s grand scale and the direction footy in the U.S. was headed.

GP Wins Losses PF PA %
10 5 5 389 345 112.75

31 May – LOSS – Philadelphia Hawks 8.6.54 df. BWE 7.11.53 at Baltimore, Maryland
14 Jun. – WIN – BWE 5.8.38 df. Lehigh/Western PA 3.7.25 at Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
26 Jun. – LOSS – Boston Demons 10.3.63 df. BWE 7.1.43 at Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
19 Jul. – WIN – BWE 7.7.49 df. Philadelphia Hawks 6.7.43 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
23 Aug. – WIN – BWE 9.10.64 df. Philadelphia Hawks 2.2.(14) at Boston, Massachusetts
23 Aug. – LOSS – New York Magpies 4.6.31 df. BWE 2.3.15 at Boston, Massachusetts
13 Sep. – WIN – BWE 10.11.71 df. North Carolina Tigers 7.9.51 at Durham, North Carolina
11 Oct. – LOSS – Milwaukee Bombers 4.6.30 df. BWE 3.3.21 at Kansas City, Missouri
11 Oct. – LOSS – Nashville Kangaroos 3.1.19 df. BWE 2.1.13 at Kansas City, Missouri
12 Oct. – WIN – BWE 3.4.22 df. Arizona Hawks 2.3.15 at Kansas City, Missouri

SEASON FOUR: 2002 – “The Nationals Hangover And A Deeper Look At Local Development”

Officers of the Club in 2002 -

President: Michael “Tiger” Fay; Vice Presidents: Rob Brunton & Sue Weeks;Secretary: Julie Betts; Treasurer: Joe “Crazy” Mullen; Head Coach: Denis Ryan

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Award Winners in 2002 -

Best & Fairest: Byron Spradlin; Runner-up:Gordon Masterson; Most Consistent: Sean “Muzza” Murray; Most Improved: Eric Sigman;Best First Year Player: Byron Spradlin;Coach’s Award: Dave Schall; President’s Award: Denis Ryan; Tom Weeks Memorial Clubman Award: Rob Brunton

For the 2002 season, the Eagles were spent. Losing the clubhouse in Baltimore, but finding a new sponsor pub in Herndon, Virginia, (Ned Devine’s), the Eagles enlisted the pub’s support and did heavy recruitment building on a diminishing Baltimore roster.

Deciding to spend time developing the team itself, the club turned to popular notion of local metro competitions in the hopes of developing the new recruit’s skills and improve whereas weekday trainings alone could not. From these metro games, the Eagles built four competitive teams; North and South Baltimore, DC and Northern Virginia.

The Eagles also became part of the NEAFL (Northeast Australian Football League) which the USAFL based on cities locations. Two divisions in this new league would make competition against other “more local” teams easier. For example, in the Eagles’ division were Boston and New York. The other division was composed of Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia and Western Pennsylvania. Rules for the NEAFL were that the Eagles would play everyone at least once, but play the teams in their division twice (like a home/away series).

2002 was also a year that saw three of the club’s members travel to Australia to play in the inaugural International Cup. Head coach Denis Ryan was selected as the head coach for the U.S. squad, while players Jay Hunter (U.S.) and Rob Brunton (Canada) were representing their respected countries in a month-long tournament held in Melbourne.

By season’s end, the birds jumped at the chance to fly out to Kansas City to partake in the 2002 USAFL Nationals. Mixed in with the second division group and playing hard against teams from Santa Cruz, a combined squad from Phoenix and Lehigh, and St. Louis, the Eagles’ showed a lack of preparation by falling to the bottom of their division by going 0-3 on the weekend.

GP Wins Losses PF PA %
10 3 7 335 505 66.34

18 May – LOSS – Boston Demons 12.12.84 df. BWE 2.6.18 at Baltimore, Maryland
01 Jun. – WIN – BWE 7.14.56 df. Philadelphia Crows 4.4.28 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
15 Jun. – WIN – BWE 14.13.97 df. Western PA Wallabies 3.2.20 at Baltimore, Maryland
29 Jun. – LOSS – New York Magpies 9.12.66 df. BWE 2.4.16 at Rutgers, New Jersey
13 Jul. – LOSS – Boston Demons 14.7.91 df. BWE 3.5.23 at Boston, Massachusetts
20 Jul. – WIN – BWE 8.6.54 df. Lehigh Valley Crocs 6.11.47 at Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
03 Aug. – LOSS – New York Magpies 12.8.80 df. BWE 3.2.20 at Baltimore, Maryland
19 Oct. – LOSS – Phoenix/Lehigh 3.5.33 df. BWE 2.3.15 at Kansas City, Missouri
19 Oct. – LOSS – Santa Cruz Roos 5.4.34 df. BWE 3.7.25 at Kansas City, Missouri
20 Oct. – LOSS – St. Louis Blues 3.4.22 df. BWE 1.5.11 at Kansas City, Missouri

SEASON THREE: 2001 – “The Art Of Multi-Tasking And Playing The Perfect Hosts”

Officers of the Club in 2001 -

President: Steve Huppas; Vice Presidents:Denis Ryan & Andrew Sutherland; Secretary:Julie Betts; Treasurer: Matt Pfleiger; Head Coach: Denis Ryan

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Award Winners in 2001 -

Best & Fairest: Jay Hunter; Runner-up: Denis Ryan; Most Consistent: Rob Brunton; Most Improved: Chris Claypoole; Best First Year Player: Joe “Crazy” Mullen; Most Inspirational: Joe “Crazy” Mullen; Most Courageous: Scotty Kneebone; Coach’s Award: Larry Hirsch; President’s Award:“Outback” Al Diano; Tom Weeks Memorial Clubman Award: Sue Weeks; Life Member Induction: Cameron Ashe (#1)

The bitter taste of defeat lingered in the mouths of the team all through the off-season, so when 2001 came around, the Eagles set about taking the next step and becoming more of a premiere team in the USAFL.

Putting in a bid to host the 2001 Nationals; the club moved out of the sponsoring Boomerang Pub and built themselves an official three-room clubhouse. Still not satisfied, the club looked at hosting even more fundraising events to help sponsor and build the club financially. The Eagles had never worked as hard, not only in organizing the club and getting set for a 20-team national tournament, but also playing games against New York, Lehigh Valley, Boston and Philadelphia twice, North Carolina, traveling to Chicago to play in the Chicago Tournament against the Swans, Kansas City and Milwaukee.

Getting set for the 2001 Nationals, which was hosted at Rosecroft Raceway (a harness racing track) outside of Washington, DC proved to be a trickier task. With the unfortunate events that happened a month before the date of the National Tournament, (not to mention minutes away from the Pentagon), the Eagles found themselves stretched thin as they became focused on entertaining over a thousand guests, 20 teams all the while sporting a side that was extremely hard-working and persistent both on the field and running errands throughout the days. It was an exhaustive event on all fronts, but had everyone remarking about what a club the Eagles had become.

GP Wins Losses PF PA %
13 4 9 465 661 70.35

08 Apr. – LOSS – Lehigh Crocs 13.12.90 df. BWE 6.9.45 at Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
05 May – LOSS – New York Magpies 5.7.37 df. BWE 4.12.36 at Bronx, New York
23 Jun. – LOSS – Boston Demons 15.10.100 df. BWE 9.12.66 at Boston, Massachusetts
07 Jul. – LOSS – Philadelphia Crows 17.10.112 df. BWE 9.12.66 at Voorhees, New Jersey
04 Aug. – LOSS – Chicago Swans 8.8.56 df. BWE 0.1.1 at Chicago, Illinois
04 Aug. – WIN – BWE 7.6.48 df. Milwaukee Bombers 3.9.27 at Chicago, Illinois
04 Aug. – LOSS – Kansas City Power 3.4.22 df. BWE 3.3.21 at Chicago, Illinois
05 Aug. – FORFEIT – Denver Bulldogs 0.1.1 df. BWE 0.0.0 at Chicago, Illinois
11 Aug. – LOSS – Philadelphia Crows 5.10.40 df. BWE 3.2.20 at Washington, DC
22 Sep. – WIN – BWE 4.10.34 df. Philadelphia Crows 3.2.20 at Baltimore, Maryland
22 Sep. – WIN – BWE 5.10.40 df. North Carolina Tigers 6.3.39 at Baltimore, Maryland
13 Oct. – LOSS – San Diego Lions 9.2.56 df. BWE 5.3.33 at Washington, DC
13 Oct. – WIN – BWE 5.2.32 df. Orange County Bombers 4.3.27 at Washington, DC
13 Oct. – LOSS – Chicago Swans 5.4.34 df. BWE 3.5.23 at Washington, DC

SEASON TWO: 2000 – “Eagles’ Toughest Squad Hits The USAFL With A Punch”

Officers of the Club in 2000 -

President: Cameron Ashe; Vice Presidents:Steve Huppas & Denis Ryan; Secretary: Sue Weeks; Treasurer: Matt Pfleiger; Head Coach:Steve Huppas

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Award Winners in 2000 -

Best & Fairest: Cameron Ashe; Runner-up:Denis Ryan; Most Consistent: Rob Brunton;Most Improved: Tom Balkos; Most Inspirational: Jay Hunter; Most Courageous:Dave Schall; Coach’s Award: Jay Hunter;President’s Award: Steve Huppas; Tom Weeks Memorial Clubman Award: Sue Weeks

With a gleaming trophy in hand and a name forged as being the big “social team” as well as a up and coming footy team, the Eagles spent the 2000 season working hard at increasing their roster and teaching those not familiar with the game the fundamentals (the kicking, the handballing, the sheparding, etc.). Being based out of the Boomerang Pub and with a live viewing of the AFL Grand Final at the Australian Embassy in downtown Washington, DC, recruitment efforts went through the roof and a roster of 50+ players was achieved in a short, five month time frame.

With matches against Lehigh Valley, North Carolina, Nashville, Boston, Philadelphia, Tri-Cities/Atlanta and even the Lawrence Park Rebels (a Canadian team that trekked down to Baltimore to play), the Eagles grew stronger with every game, both mentally and physically.

In the fall of 2000, the Eagles put a team together to travel out to Los Angeles to play in the USAFL National Championships in Division I. Traveling with a squad that was one of the Eagles’ most experienced and strongest teams ever, the birds put up a good fight beating Phoenix and Orange County. It was key losses against Atlanta and Denver (Denver later won the National Tournament Championship) that kept the club from reaching their fullest potential.

GP Wins Losses PF PA %
16 12 4 763 598 127.59

25 Mar. – WIN – BWE 6.8.44 df. North Carolina Tigers 5.5.35 at Raleigh, North Carolina
25 Mar. – WIN – BWE 13.6.84 df. Tri-Cities/Atlanta 0.9.9 at Raleigh, North Carolina
25 Mar. – LOSS – NC/TC/ATL 16.14.110 df. BWE 3.6.24 at Raleigh, North Carolina
09 Apr. – WIN – BWE 5.11.41 df. Lehigh Valley Crocs 3.9.27 at Baltimore, Maryland
20 May – WIN – BWE 5.9.39 df. Boston Demons 3.2.20 at Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
20 May – LOSS – Lehigh Valley Crocs 6.4.40 df. BWE 5.5.35 at Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
20 May – WIN – BWE 7.10.52 df. Laurence Park Rebels (Canada) 2.1.13 at Lehigh Valley, PA
21 May – WIN – BWE 6.3.39 df. Lehigh Valley Crocs 5.3.33 at Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
17 Jun. – WIN – BWE 9.3.57 df. North Carolina Tigers 5.9.33 at Baltimore, Maryland
15 Jul. – WIN – BWE 12.6.78 df. Nashville Kangaroos 9.12.66 at Nashville, Tennessee
26 Aug. – WIN – BWE 12.8.80 df. Boston Demons 8.7.55 at Baltimore, Maryland
09 Sep. – WIN – BWE 11.14.80 df. Philadelphia Crows 4.11.35 at Voorhees, New Jersey
14 Oct. – WIN – BWE 9.2.56 df. Phoenix Scorpions 4.3.27 at Los Angeles, California
14 Oct. – LOSS – Atlanta Kookaburras 4.9.33 df. BWE 3.4.22 at Los Angeles, California
14 Oct. – LOSS – Denver Bulldogs 5.12.42 df. BWE 1.1.7 at Los Angeles, California
15 Oct. – WIN – BWE 3.7.25 df. Orange Co. Bombers 3.2.20 at Los Angeles, California

SEASON ONE: 1999 – “Inaugural Year Finds A National Title At The End Of The Season”

Officers of the Club in 1999 -

President: Tom Fahey & Cameron Ashe; Vice Presidents: Steve Huppas & Denis Ryan;Secretary: Sue Weeks; Treasurer: Steve Huppas; Head Coach: Steve Huppas

May 15th, 1999. A day that would forever change Australian Rules Football in the United States. It began with a friendly challenge between the Australian Embassy in Washington, DC and a popular Australian bar called the Boomerang Pub run by a bunch of entrepreneurial ex-pats living in Baltimore. A game between the two establishments for local aussies to have a kick and introduce the Americans to a way of life. With the help of a few guys from Lehigh Valley, the day took off in splendid fashion on a shredded, American football field in East Baltimore. Hits were hard and the sweat flowed passionately as many ex-pats shook off the cobwebs and many Americans adjusted to the new set of rules of this fast-paced game. At the end of the day, the home squad (the Baltimore Bombers) beat out the Washington Eagles convincingly; 11.6 (72) to 8.7 (55). An after-game social function held at the Boomerang Pub topped the night off right with everyone having a great time recalling the great marks, pounding hits and aches and pains of a hard day’s work. Most importantly than what the scoreboard reflected were the seeds that were sown on the field that day, which eventually sprouted into the Baltimore Washington Eagles Australian Rules Football Club.

After that day in late spring, the Eagles quickly signed on with the USAFL (United States Australian Football League), a newly formed league of Australian Rules teams spanning the entire United States. The Eagles turned inward and built their own committee and bylaws, voted in an executive committee to oversee the business end of things and recruited a team composed of Baltimore and D.C. players as well as the occasional Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania player.

Beginning the journey with matches against New York and Nashville, the Eagles felt confident that their grassroots effort was indeed working as the season carried on.

The real test was to travel as a club to Cincinnati that August for the USAFL National Tournament. Thanks to hard fundraising efforts, plenty of practices and a tight camaraderie between players, the Eagles flew exceptionally high that weekend going undefeated on the weekend and winning top honors in the second division (the newer teams to the league). Not to mention raising the social bar those two nights in downtown Cincinnati.

GP Wins Losses PF PA %
6 4 2 236 230 102.61

15 May – BAL Bombers 11.6.72 df. WSH/Lehigh Valley Eagles 8.7.55 at Baltimore, Maryland
12 Jun. – LOSS – North Carolina Tigers 7.5.47 df. BWE 5.10.40 at Raleigh, North Carolina
24 Jul. – LOSS – Nashville Roos 11.11.77 df. BWE 6.12.48 at Baltimore, Maryland
16 Oct. – WIN – BWE/Lehigh 7.9.51 df. CAR/TC/ATL 0.3.3 at Cincinnati, Ohio
16 Oct. – WIN – BWE/Lehigh 7.10.52 df. Louisville/Detroit 0.0.0 at Cincinnati, Ohio
17 Oct. – WIN – BWE/Lehigh 3.5.23 df. Milwaukee/Dallas 3.3.21 at Cincinnati, Ohio
17 Oct. – WIN – BWE/Lehigh 3.4.22 df. CAR/TC/ATL 1.4.10 at Cincinnati, Ohio

1998 – “Formation Of A Footy Club In Washington, DC”

From a phone call by Jason Eustice from Kansas City, a challenge was put down on the Australian Embassy to pull a Aussie Rules football team together to play his Midwest All-stars team. This challenge was taken seriously by the Embassy of Australia in downtown Washington, DC and at a regular end of week meeting, several members discussed the possibility of putting a team together over a few cold Australian refreshments. During this traditional custom, many Australian male is said to have been “a Legend in his own time”, hence the Embassy Legends Team was born. On the July 25, 1997 the Embassy of Australia’s Legends Football Team was formed to play their first game of football on July 27th, 1997, against the Mid West All-stars Team.

Over the next year and a half under the watchful eyes of President Tom Fahey and Coach Allan “Plugger” Purdie, the Washington Eagles grew in numbers and participated in a number of games against teams from Boston, New York, North Carolina and the Broadview Hawks from the Canadian Australian Football Association. They went on to recruit a group of 19 players as well as contacted the AFL club, the West Coast Eagles back in Australia about helping out with jumpers and other equipment. Within weeks and with new jumpers in hand amongst a good group of guys, the Eagles were ready to start shaking and moving.

GP Wins Losses PF PA %
9 1 8 180 540 33.33

28 Mar. – LOSS – Boston Demons 15.24.114 df. Eagles 4.6.30 at Washington, DC
06 Jun. – LOSS – Boston Demons 6.10.46 df. Eagles 0.0.0 at New York, New York
06 Jun. – LOSS – Boston Demons 6.5.41 df. Eagles 2.5.17 at New York, New York
06 Jun. – LOSS – New York Magpies 11.7.73 df. Eagles 2.0 at New York, New York
15 Aug. – WIN – Eagles 13.10.88 df. New York Magpies 7.13.55 at Baltimore, Maryland
29 Aug. – LOSS – KC/STL 10.4.64 df. WSH/CAR/TC 4.2.26 at Cincinnati, Ohio
29 Aug. – LOSS – Boston Demons 12.13.85 df. WSH/CAR/TC 1.0.6 at Cincinnati, Ohio
29 Aug. – LOSS – New York Magpies 8.14.62 df. WSH/CAR/TC 0.1.1 at Cincinnati, Ohio
06 Sep. – LOSS – Broadview Hawks df. Eagles at Washington, DC (no score recorded on the day)