An diesem Wochenende stand das Freundschaftsspiel gegen die Hassloch 8-Balls statt. Außer der Tatsache, dass dieses Spiel den Rockets zeigen sollte, wo sie aktuell stehen und woran noch gearbeitet werden muss, musste ein schwerer Abschied genommen werden…
Taurean Wattkins – Headcoach (HC) der Rhein-Main Rockets – wurde zurück in die vereinigten Staaten beordert. Bereits vor Saisonstart wünschte er sich ein Freundschaftsspiel gegen die Hassloch 8-Balls – ein etabliertes Team, dass seit einigen Jahren beständig in der Oberliga spielt. Außerdem ein Team mit vielen alten Bekannten unseres HCs, die er auf dem Feld unbedingt nochmal wieder sehen wollte.
Mit einer harten Niederlage (29:06) endet also die Ära Wattkins, der folgende Worte an die Rockets richtet (Wir veröffentlichen sie hier im Original – bitte nutzt die bekannten Übersetzungsseiten, sofern ihr dies nicht verstehen solltet):
Any cause that is dependent on one person, is doomed to failure. This is what I’ve said since the beginning. I truly believe this team will go on to do great things without me this season.
To the Vorstand:
I would first like to say thank you for the opportunity to lead the Rockets. I never saw myself in this position, so it came as a great surprise that I was even in consideration. It is my hope that the work we have done over the past 8 months have put the team in a position grow and be successful.
To the Coaching Staff:
I couldn’t ask for a better team!!! You have supported me every step of the way and for that I couldn’t be more thankful. Each one of you had something to bring to the table and with that created a solid foundation for this program to forward. Continue to push the players to reach their full potential, while never losing sight of their love for the game.
For the Players:
From the moment I was asked by the Vorstand to be the Head Coach for the upcoming season I was already imagining the fun and success the team would have. We had a great foundation of players that showed they had the heart and passion for the game to endure the hardships of last season.
It was stated by the Vorstand that it was the players that requested my appointment to the position of Head Coach. It is for this very reason that this position has been so very special for me. I came out to every training with the sole purpose of being the best I could be for all of you. Your belief in me has been my motivation for the season.
Starting with the first off-season practice in July, every week we saw new faces eager to join and be a part of the Rockets’ ascension. You all have worked extremely hard the past 8 months to get where you are today. Now comes the time you show the rest of the league!
Everyone that was there for your introduction to the 2019 in Köln got a little taste of what the Rocket have in store for the season. For me the attitude, focus and motivation was a sight to behold. You all went out there and played the game the way it should be played. Sure there were mistakes, but you accepted them, picked each other up, and corrected them. When the clock was 00:00, YOU were victorious.
When I say “victorious”, I don’t just mean the score on the board. I’m speaking about the return of the fight in the eyes in all the players. You played as 1 team, with 1 heartbeat!!! You had fun out there, and that was one of the best parts of this day.
As this letter comes to an end I must remind you all this is not a good-bye!!! I will continue watch you all from afar while yelling #GoRockets on gameday. I will also be available to chat and answer any questions. So with sadness in my heart I will say, „See you later“.
Taurean Watkins
Hustle, Hit, Never Quit!!!
Mit diesen Worten verabschiedet sich also der Headcoach, der nach der desaströsen vergangenen Saison die kleine lodernde Flamme in den Footballherzen der Spieler wieder entfachte.
Wir als Team können uns nur für all das Bedanken, das Taurean zu uns gebracht hat und wir halten es wie Taurean: bis bald!
Nach der Ankündigung hat sich der Vorstand direkt ans Werk gemacht und Ersatz für die große Lücke gesucht, die er hinterlässt – wer den Headcoach-Posten übernehmen wird veröffentlichen wir in den kommenden Tagen.
