2012 European Football Camp
In 2012, 287 players and 41 coaches attended the football camp at Ansbach.
2012 Divisional Breakdown
Division III
Division III (9-man) had 9 participants this year, with 7 regular DoDDS teams and two local national teams. The Woodham Warriors from England and the Brussels Bears were added to the schedule to add variety and more opportunities for all teams. Due to a drawdown in population, Baumholder went from Division II to Division III over the summer. 2010 Division III champion Sigonella had to choose between boy’s volleyball and football to make a team after having to fold the team in 2011. Originally called Division IV, this league was created for schools whose enrollments made it difficult to play 11 man football. With the departure of Carter Hollenbeck to Ramstein, BJ Walker took over the Baumholder Bucs and led them to a 6th European championship, an undefeated season and a SUPER 6 win over Rota 26-0.
Division II
Division II (10 teams) was still the largest division in 2012. SHAPE had a new coach (Randy Potter replaced Tony Harris), while Jesse Woods took over the Schweinfurt program. Undefeated Bitburg won their 9th European championship in school history with an exciting 22-20 comeback win over Naples. Bitburg’s regular season win streak (30) is currently the longest active win streak in DoDDS Europe. With two opening season wins next year, Bitburg can break the all-time win streak record held by Ansbach (31). This is Bitburg’s 4th championship in a row. They are the only school in DoDDS-Europe history that has the coveted "4-peat!"
Division I
Division I (8 teams) was very competitive this year. Ramstein bounced back from last year’s loss to Wiesbaden by dominating with a spotless regular season record with the Super 6 championship game being much of the same. Ramstein spotted Patch a 1 point lead with 7 minutes left in the game, and then exploded to win 26-7 for their 11th DoDDS-European Championship (the DoDDS record).
Super 6 & All Stars
The SUPER 6 finals format was held at Minick Field in Baumholder for the 10th consecutive year (2003-2012). For the fourth consecutive year, AFN broadcasted the game on the Pentagon channel and AFN Radio as well as streamed it on AFN 360. Attendance was limited due to very rainy and cold conditions. The high temperature for the day was 49 degrees. All the games were soggy, yet exciting and competitive. If all goes as planned, the Super 6 will move to a turf field at K-Town in 2013. Much thanks to the Baumholder community for their support over the last 10 years!!! The Vilseck/Graf community hosted the North-South All-Star game for the second year in a row. 64 players were chosen from 25 schools. It was an exciting week of practice and a great game (and good weather), won 29-10 by the South.
End of an Era
Long time sports-writer, Rusty Bryan, retired after 30+ years and is replaced by Greg Broome