For Immediate Release
November 8, 2007 Contact:
(804) 722-0141

East Coast Bowl Roster Continues to Grow

Petersburg, VA - The East Coast Bowl Committee is pleased to announce three (3) student-athletes that have committed to playing in the 7th Annual East Coast Bowl.

Edward Williams Jr., 6’4 215, will make for a big target on the outside for the South team. Williams, from Montgomery, AL has caught the eye of many NFL scouts while at Lane College and is sure to put on a show at this year’s game. He is a very good route runner and is not afraid to go across the middle to catch the ball.

Shane Simmons, 6’1 230, is a linebacker from Western Washington University and will be coming across the country to play in this year’s game. Simmons is from Kent, ID and has also drawn lots of pro attention after transferring from Division-I Idaho. Simmons, who made All- GNAC in 2005 for the Vikings, started the season as a second team All American. His 113 total tackles on the year are not only a team high but also good enough to rank him first overall in Division II.

Jacob Owens, 6’5 270, is a defensive end from Fairmont State (WV) and will be playing on the defensive line for the North team. Owens, from Franklin, WV, was a 2006 All- WVIAC honorable mention. Thru 9 games of the 2007 season he has 40 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks for the Fighting Falcons. He has the size/speed combination that have that could prove to be a good fit on the next level.

The East Coast Bowl game has quickly become the Thanksgiving tradition in Petersburg, VA and will be played Saturday, November 24th at 12 noon, The Committee will gather nominations from schools in just about all 50 states, which will be narrowed down to the top 75 Division I-FCS, II, III and NAIA athletes. Players will report to Petersburg the day before Thanksgiving and spend the holiday doing various community visits as well as practice sessions for NFL scouts. The game itself is set-up as a scholarship event, with all of the revenue generated going into a fund for a local high school senior who plans on attending a Division I-FCS, II or III college. For more information visit www.petersburgsports.com

The East Coast Bowl has partnered this year with American Football Alumni. The AFA is an association of former players and coaches of all levels to support the sport of football and give back to the game. More information about the American Football Alumni can be obtained at www.11on11.com