Norwich Devils American Football Club



Inducted 27th September 2008 Tony Ryan has been inducted into the Norwich Devils Hall of Fame for his long-standing services to the club as a player. Tony joined the club as it entered into its first year of league play in 1986. Wearing the number 28 shirt, he started as a back up running back, but it wasn't long before he established himself as a starter in that position. He went on to play a significant role in the 1989 national championship side and was one of a very select few players who were still there when the club won its second championship in 2002, going unbeaten for the whole season for the first time in the club's long history. Tony proved himself a very durable player, becoming only the second player in the club's history to reach 100 games, having missed only one game in that time. Tony retired from playing regularly after the 2002 season, although did make a number of "guest" appearances after that date. During his time with the club Tony rushed for a total of 7,308 yards on 1,620 carries, at an average of over four and a half yards per carry, and scored a total of 59 touchdowns. Tony Ryan

inducted 27th September 2008 Wayne Persinger has been inducted into the Norwich Devils Hall of Fame for his services to the club as both a coach and a member of the management team. He was the club's first head coach through from their formation in 1984 to their first season in the national league in 1986. Wayne took a group of players who had never played the game and achieved a 5 - 5 record in their first competitive season, quite an achievement for an inexperienced first year team. He stepped down as head coach at the end of that first season but continued to help manage the club. In 1990 he returned as head coach and led the team through a very difficult season with a depleted squad following the club's championship winning season in 1989. Wayne's biggest contribution however, was probably in the formation and running of the management of the club. He was instrumental in setting up the management structure that was to serve the club well ever since, and probably the main reason the club is still in existence today when most others of that era have fallen by the wayside. He is justifiably recognised as the founder of the Norwich Devils. Wayne's contribution to American football in this country is not confined to the Norwich Devils, he has also been very active at league level, and played a major role in bringing the fragmented leagues of the 1990s finally under one banner. Wayne Persinger

Hall of Fame Induction - 13 August 2006 Pete Wrigley has been inducted into the Norwich Devils Hall of Fame for his services to the club as both a coach and a player. Pete Wrigley played a valued part in the history of the Norwich Devils first as a player then onto the sidelines as the Head Coach. Pete first began playing in 1986 and learned the ropes as an offensive lineman, bouncing from OG and OT. In 1989 Pete became the teams regular OC and never looked back. In 1989 Pete helped lead the Devils to their first ever bowl appearance against arch rivals Ipswich - winning the BNGL national division bowl. Pete's hard work and determination would set the tone for the Devils over the course of the next 16 years. Pete was bestowed with the ultimate honor and elected as team captain from 1992-1996. Pete Also represented the South of England All-star team in 1989 as a player and coached the North of England All-star team (OL and DL coach) in 1997. When Pete finally gave up playing in 1996 after playing in 133 straight games, he turned over a new leaf and took the reigns as the Head Coach. Pete took the Devils to new heights reaching the playoffs in 5 of his 9 years, including back to back Div II bowl games in 2001 & 2002. The 2002 season was the highlight in Pete's career as the 2001 team was shocked by the hated Cardinals for the title, and the 2002 Devils completed a dramatic 12-0 season, were crowned BSL Div II National Champions, and Pete gained national acclaim as BAFCA division 2 Coach of the Year in 2002. Pete's overall coaching record was 43-42-3 with a 4-4 playoff record. Pete also has held posts as club chairman and treasurer in his tenure. Pete continues to have deep roots in the Devils club as the current media and league representative for the senior team.