Vukovi Beograd
Encyclopedia
Vukovi Beograd is the American football
club from Belgrade
, Serbia
. After establishing in 2003, in just few years Vukovi have become one of the best organized and most successful American football teams in Eastern Europe. Today Vukovi are competing in SAAF Serbian Superleague and Central European Football League
.
. The number of new players each week increased, and at the end of the year was over 30 people. The club was officially founded in 14th January 2003, and was the second established American football club in Serbia. Shortly thereafter, in all major cities in Serbia started with the establishment of new clubs. The first game was played in the spring of that year without helmets and shoulder pads,against the Kragujevac Wild Boars, which they won. During 2003, Vukovi played several informal games with teams from Serbia and all were defeated, while the number of players in the team has reached over 50. First Vukovi head coach was Igor Hoffmann.
on Čika Dača football field, where home team Kragujevac Wild Boars defeated Vukovi Beograd 21-6.
Instead of a league in 2005, there was a cup held in Serbia. Ten teams took part in this competition. Final game was played in Belgrade on FK Obilić
stadium on Jun, 19th 2005. and this time Vukovi defeated Wild Boars, 20-6.
and one from Slovenia
new SELAF League was established (later renamed the CEFL). Vukovi and Wild Boars have again reached the finals, which was played 8th October 2006 at the Radnicki Stadium in New Belgrade in front of 3,000 spectators. Serbian national anthem before the game is performed by famous actor Nikola Djuricko, and group Nightshift was performing at halftime. Kragujevac was better and won 23-12. Vukovi quarterback Andrej Tasic was proclaimed SELAF League offensive MVP,unfortunately he was injured in the semifinals and could not help the Vukovi to win title. During that season, several players are highlighted as team leaders in future,Tasic brothers, Petar Vitorovic, Ivan Ristic, Milos Todorovic, Milos Stanimirovic...
Before the start of 2007 season, a new domestic league SAFS was established. Ten teams competed, while competition in the CEFL increased, with the joining of Hungarian and Austrian teams. At the beginning of the year Vukovi got use of the new field with artificial grass at Ada Ciganlija
. Team also got a new head coach Aleksandar Hadzi-Pavlovic, Serbian American who had the experience of playing at the college. Together with him in the team came another American, Briton Burge who became the starting quarterback while Andrej Tasic joined younger brother Pavle,at wide receiver position. It turned out as a winning combination. Vukovi lost only one game during the season and at the start of Novi Sad Dukes. In the semifinal match CEFL league, Vukovi defeated the Austrian team CNC Gladiators 28-3. Serbian national anthem is performed by Aleksandra Kovac
, MTV Europe Music Awards
winner.It was the first Vukovi Beograd game that is broadcast on national TV Avala
. In the final at the 27th October 2007 at Ada Ciganlija opponents were Budapest Wolves. Wolves are leading 27-13, 1:40 before the end, but Vukovi finishing in a memorable turn and managed to win Hungarians 28-27. Finals MVP was WR Pavle Tasic who caught 122 yards and TD. Vukovi are a week later won the title of the Serbian champions, beating Novi Sad Dukes 25-15 at Ada Ciganlija.
Before the start of 2008 season, head coach Aleksandar Hadzi Pavlovic and QB Briton Burge left the team, but two new Americans Jordan Green and William Blocker joined Vukovi, who had the feature player-coach. The season is well started for Vukovi, opponents have been falling in the order in SAFS Serbian league as well as CEFL Championship. But Vukovi first have lost in SAFS Serbian league finals of Kragujevac Wild Boars 38-31 and several months later in CEFL Bowl of CNC Gladiators 14-8 in Vienna
. CEFL League MVPs was Vukovi QB Jordan Green and DB Ivan Nedeljkovic.
with Bergamo Lions
.Green and Blocker returned for next season, and in team came another American RB Brandon McDowell. Cineplexx Blue Devils of the Austrian Football League
have joined CEFL, and since the beginning of the season everybody had already seen them with Vukovi in finals. In the regular season, in the first match in April in Ada Ciganlija Vukovi won 49-48 in 2nd overtime,after amazing game full of twists. In the second season match in September, Blue Devils were successful in Hohenems 35-20, Vukovi have experienced first defeat of the season. In the semi finals Vukovi won 28-13 over Ljubljana Silverhawks. In CEFL Bowl IV Vukovi were again met with the Blue Devils, beating them 39-20 more than convincing. It was the second CEFL title for Vukovi Beograd and the third consecutive season as Vukovi have not lost a match at home - Ada Ciganlija. Jordan Green was the MVP of the finals, and DE Milos Lisanin was CEFL defensive player of the year. In the newly formed Serbian SAAF Super League (after separation from the Serbian american football association - SAFS) Vukovi have easily won the title, beating Novi Sad Dukes in the finals 46-0. Brandon McDowell was the offensive MVP in the SAAF Super League.
Almost all players have been remained in the team for 2010 season, only William Blocker came back to United States,and Tony Stubbs,former starting safety for Kansas Jayhawks football
joined Vukovi. One of the biggest additions in history of american football in Europe was the arrival of former NFL star Reuben Droughns
as Vukovi assistant coach.
Vukovi have started the season with a preseason game (with future Austrian Football League
champions) Danube Dragons, and lost in an exciting finish 30-27. Season continues with games in the SAAF Serbian Superleague and in the Central Football European League. Vukovi were dominant, they have not lost a single game throughout the season. In SAAF Serbian Superleague title game,they won beating Novi Sad Dukes 40-2 in Ada Ciganlija. League MVP was returnee QB/WR Andrej Tasic. In CEFL Bowl V held in Ljubljana 18th July 2010, Vukovi are playing excellent and defeated Ljubljana Silverhawks 42-20 and won a third CEFL championship. For the second time DE Milos Lisanin is chosen for Defensive MVP of league.
Despite successful season,at the beginning of 2011, head coach John Harper was replaced by Rex Stevenson.
, since new head coach, Rex Stevenson, was fired after just one game . Vukovi brought in new American qurtarback Vinnie Miroth (former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
quarterback), and many new players came up from junior team and other Serbian teams. Other american players, McDowell and Stubbs remained with the team in 2011.
Two Serbian federations were reunited after a two-year break, making the SAAF Serbian Superleague a lot harder competition in 2011. Before the season, the Vukovi were not considered favorites to win the championship. Big problems with injuries have further weakened the team during the season. However, the Vukovi were able to record only one loss in the CEFL league regular season (from Ljubljana Silverhawks) and one loss in the SAAF Serbian Superleague regular season (from the biggest rival Kragujevac Wild Boars).
After the victory over the Pancevo Panthers
in the semifinals of SAAF Serbian Superleague, Vukovi advanced to the finals which was played in Kragujevac
. Vukovi have played one of the best games in the history of the team,and won 51-36 over Kragujevac Wild Boars. The MVP of the finals was Bratislav Bosnjak, arguably the best wide receiver currently in Serbia, who came before the start of the season from Pancevo Panthers.
Vinnie Miroth played great all season, and was named CEFL league offensive MVP and also CEFL finals offensive MVP. Vukovi once again won CEFL Bowl, beating in another exciting final Budapest Wolves 34-33 in Budapest
.
Vukovi Beograd remained undefeated in their home grounds, stadium at Ada Ciganlija
for the fifth straight season.
* League played without equipment
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
club from Belgrade
Belgrade
Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, where the Pannonian Plain meets the Balkans. According to official results of Census 2011, the city has a population of 1,639,121. It is one of the 15 largest cities in Europe...
, Serbia
Serbia
Serbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans...
. After establishing in 2003, in just few years Vukovi have become one of the best organized and most successful American football teams in Eastern Europe. Today Vukovi are competing in SAAF Serbian Superleague and Central European Football League
Central European Football League
The Central European Football League is a regional American football league which, in season 2012, includes teams from Croatia, Hungary, Serbia and Slovenia...
.
Establishment
The interest in American football in Serbia, grew rapidly after the first television broadcasts of NFL season in 2001. The first meetings of several people who threw football began in the summer of 2002 in Belgrade Ada CiganlijaAda Ciganlija
Ada Ciganlija , colloquially shortened to Ada, is a river island that has artificially been turned into a peninsula, located in the Sava River's course through central Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. The name can also refer to the adjoining artificial Sava Lake and its beach...
. The number of new players each week increased, and at the end of the year was over 30 people. The club was officially founded in 14th January 2003, and was the second established American football club in Serbia. Shortly thereafter, in all major cities in Serbia started with the establishment of new clubs. The first game was played in the spring of that year without helmets and shoulder pads,against the Kragujevac Wild Boars, which they won. During 2003, Vukovi played several informal games with teams from Serbia and all were defeated, while the number of players in the team has reached over 50. First Vukovi head coach was Igor Hoffmann.
2004 - 2005
First league game in Serbia was played in 2004 and 5 teams competed that year. This league was played without necessary equipment, pads and helmets. Final game was played on November, 7th, 2004. in KragujevacKragujevac
Kragujevac is the fourth largest city in Serbia, the main city of the Šumadija region and the administrative centre of Šumadija District. It is situated on the banks of the Lepenica River...
on Čika Dača football field, where home team Kragujevac Wild Boars defeated Vukovi Beograd 21-6.
Instead of a league in 2005, there was a cup held in Serbia. Ten teams took part in this competition. Final game was played in Belgrade on FK Obilić
FK Obilic
Fudbalski klub Obilić is a football club based in Belgrade, Serbia. Named after legendary Serbian medieval hero Miloš Obilić, the club currently competes in the Druga beogradska liga - grupa Dunav .The club's stadium is also named accordingly; to venerate the Serbian knight it is called the...
stadium on Jun, 19th 2005. and this time Vukovi defeated Wild Boars, 20-6.
2006 - 2008
In early 2006 a new club administration with the president Goran Nisavic, helped Vukovi to buy equipment. With three more teams from SerbiaSerbia
Serbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans...
and one from Slovenia
Slovenia
Slovenia , officially the Republic of Slovenia , is a country in Central and Southeastern Europe touching the Alps and bordering the Mediterranean. Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north, and also has a small portion of...
new SELAF League was established (later renamed the CEFL). Vukovi and Wild Boars have again reached the finals, which was played 8th October 2006 at the Radnicki Stadium in New Belgrade in front of 3,000 spectators. Serbian national anthem before the game is performed by famous actor Nikola Djuricko, and group Nightshift was performing at halftime. Kragujevac was better and won 23-12. Vukovi quarterback Andrej Tasic was proclaimed SELAF League offensive MVP,unfortunately he was injured in the semifinals and could not help the Vukovi to win title. During that season, several players are highlighted as team leaders in future,Tasic brothers, Petar Vitorovic, Ivan Ristic, Milos Todorovic, Milos Stanimirovic...
Before the start of 2007 season, a new domestic league SAFS was established. Ten teams competed, while competition in the CEFL increased, with the joining of Hungarian and Austrian teams. At the beginning of the year Vukovi got use of the new field with artificial grass at Ada Ciganlija
Ada Ciganlija
Ada Ciganlija , colloquially shortened to Ada, is a river island that has artificially been turned into a peninsula, located in the Sava River's course through central Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. The name can also refer to the adjoining artificial Sava Lake and its beach...
. Team also got a new head coach Aleksandar Hadzi-Pavlovic, Serbian American who had the experience of playing at the college. Together with him in the team came another American, Briton Burge who became the starting quarterback while Andrej Tasic joined younger brother Pavle,at wide receiver position. It turned out as a winning combination. Vukovi lost only one game during the season and at the start of Novi Sad Dukes. In the semifinal match CEFL league, Vukovi defeated the Austrian team CNC Gladiators 28-3. Serbian national anthem is performed by Aleksandra Kovac
Aleksandra Kovac
Aleksandra Kovač is a Serbian singer-songwriter. She is the eldest daughter of eminent composer Kornelije Kovač and the elder sister of singer Kristina Kovač. Alongside her sister Kristina, Kovač came to media prominence as a part of girl group K2, and then launched a successful solo career in 2001...
, MTV Europe Music Awards
MTV Europe Music Awards
The MTV Europe Music Awards were established in 1994 by MTV Networks Europe to celebrate the most popular music videos in Europe. Originally beginning as an alternative to the American MTV Video Music Awards, the MTV Europe Music Awards is today a popular celebration of what MTV viewers consider...
winner.It was the first Vukovi Beograd game that is broadcast on national TV Avala
TV Avala
TV Avala is a Serbian television network with national frequency. Registered as a limited liabilty company, the station was given a national TV frequency in Serbia in April 2006....
. In the final at the 27th October 2007 at Ada Ciganlija opponents were Budapest Wolves. Wolves are leading 27-13, 1:40 before the end, but Vukovi finishing in a memorable turn and managed to win Hungarians 28-27. Finals MVP was WR Pavle Tasic who caught 122 yards and TD. Vukovi are a week later won the title of the Serbian champions, beating Novi Sad Dukes 25-15 at Ada Ciganlija.
Before the start of 2008 season, head coach Aleksandar Hadzi Pavlovic and QB Briton Burge left the team, but two new Americans Jordan Green and William Blocker joined Vukovi, who had the feature player-coach. The season is well started for Vukovi, opponents have been falling in the order in SAFS Serbian league as well as CEFL Championship. But Vukovi first have lost in SAFS Serbian league finals of Kragujevac Wild Boars 38-31 and several months later in CEFL Bowl of CNC Gladiators 14-8 in Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
. CEFL League MVPs was Vukovi QB Jordan Green and DB Ivan Nedeljkovic.
2009 - 2010
Two miserable defeats in the finals have made clear notice that is necessary for Vukovi to have a head coach next season. John D. Harper joined Vukovi,as a coach who has extensive experience coaching in Europe and has twice won EurobowlEurobowl
The Eurobowl is both the final game and the trophy of the European Football League , a European American football contest.-Eurobowls:-Champions:...
with Bergamo Lions
Bergamo Lions
The Bergamo Lions is an American football team from Bergamo, Italy. They won the Eurobowl in 2000, 2001 and 2002, while losing to the Chrysler Vikings in the finals of 2004 and 2005. In Italy they have been unbeaten since 1998...
.Green and Blocker returned for next season, and in team came another American RB Brandon McDowell. Cineplexx Blue Devils of the Austrian Football League
Austrian Football League
The Austrian Football League is the elite league of American football in Austria. The league was founded in 1984 and plays by the rules of the NCAA.-History:...
have joined CEFL, and since the beginning of the season everybody had already seen them with Vukovi in finals. In the regular season, in the first match in April in Ada Ciganlija Vukovi won 49-48 in 2nd overtime,after amazing game full of twists. In the second season match in September, Blue Devils were successful in Hohenems 35-20, Vukovi have experienced first defeat of the season. In the semi finals Vukovi won 28-13 over Ljubljana Silverhawks. In CEFL Bowl IV Vukovi were again met with the Blue Devils, beating them 39-20 more than convincing. It was the second CEFL title for Vukovi Beograd and the third consecutive season as Vukovi have not lost a match at home - Ada Ciganlija. Jordan Green was the MVP of the finals, and DE Milos Lisanin was CEFL defensive player of the year. In the newly formed Serbian SAAF Super League (after separation from the Serbian american football association - SAFS) Vukovi have easily won the title, beating Novi Sad Dukes in the finals 46-0. Brandon McDowell was the offensive MVP in the SAAF Super League.
Almost all players have been remained in the team for 2010 season, only William Blocker came back to United States,and Tony Stubbs,former starting safety for Kansas Jayhawks football
Kansas Jayhawks football
The Kansas Jayhawks football program is the intercollegiate football program of the University of Kansas Jayhawks. The program is classified in the NCAA's Division I, and the team competes in the Big 12 Conference....
joined Vukovi. One of the biggest additions in history of american football in Europe was the arrival of former NFL star Reuben Droughns
Reuben Droughns
Reuben Droughns is an American football running back who is currently the head coach for the Serbian team Vukovi Beograd, the two-time champions of the Central European Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
as Vukovi assistant coach.
Vukovi have started the season with a preseason game (with future Austrian Football League
Austrian Football League
The Austrian Football League is the elite league of American football in Austria. The league was founded in 1984 and plays by the rules of the NCAA.-History:...
champions) Danube Dragons, and lost in an exciting finish 30-27. Season continues with games in the SAAF Serbian Superleague and in the Central Football European League. Vukovi were dominant, they have not lost a single game throughout the season. In SAAF Serbian Superleague title game,they won beating Novi Sad Dukes 40-2 in Ada Ciganlija. League MVP was returnee QB/WR Andrej Tasic. In CEFL Bowl V held in Ljubljana 18th July 2010, Vukovi are playing excellent and defeated Ljubljana Silverhawks 42-20 and won a third CEFL championship. For the second time DE Milos Lisanin is chosen for Defensive MVP of league.
Despite successful season,at the beginning of 2011, head coach John Harper was replaced by Rex Stevenson.
2011
Switch in generations took place before the start of the season. Vukovi have lost approximately 10 starters. Also, at the beginning of the season, Vukovi best all around player Andrej Tasic retired from playing. Defense leaders LB Milos Todorovic and FS Ivan Ristic are also retired before the start of the season. Vukovi promoted their assitant coach to interim head coach Reuben DroughnsReuben Droughns
Reuben Droughns is an American football running back who is currently the head coach for the Serbian team Vukovi Beograd, the two-time champions of the Central European Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
, since new head coach, Rex Stevenson, was fired after just one game . Vukovi brought in new American qurtarback Vinnie Miroth (former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is a public university located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The University, often referred to as UTC or simply "Chattanooga" , is one of three universities and two other affiliated institutions in the University of Tennessee System; the others being in...
quarterback), and many new players came up from junior team and other Serbian teams. Other american players, McDowell and Stubbs remained with the team in 2011.
Two Serbian federations were reunited after a two-year break, making the SAAF Serbian Superleague a lot harder competition in 2011. Before the season, the Vukovi were not considered favorites to win the championship. Big problems with injuries have further weakened the team during the season. However, the Vukovi were able to record only one loss in the CEFL league regular season (from Ljubljana Silverhawks) and one loss in the SAAF Serbian Superleague regular season (from the biggest rival Kragujevac Wild Boars).
After the victory over the Pancevo Panthers
Pancevo Panthers
The Pancevo Panthers are an American football club from Pančevo, Serbia, founded in 2003....
in the semifinals of SAAF Serbian Superleague, Vukovi advanced to the finals which was played in Kragujevac
Kragujevac
Kragujevac is the fourth largest city in Serbia, the main city of the Šumadija region and the administrative centre of Šumadija District. It is situated on the banks of the Lepenica River...
. Vukovi have played one of the best games in the history of the team,and won 51-36 over Kragujevac Wild Boars. The MVP of the finals was Bratislav Bosnjak, arguably the best wide receiver currently in Serbia, who came before the start of the season from Pancevo Panthers.
Vinnie Miroth played great all season, and was named CEFL league offensive MVP and also CEFL finals offensive MVP. Vukovi once again won CEFL Bowl, beating in another exciting final Budapest Wolves 34-33 in Budapest
Budapest
Budapest is the capital of Hungary. As the largest city of Hungary, it is the country's principal political, cultural, commercial, industrial, and transportation centre. In 2011, Budapest had 1,733,685 inhabitants, down from its 1989 peak of 2,113,645 due to suburbanization. The Budapest Commuter...
.
Vukovi Beograd remained undefeated in their home grounds, stadium at Ada Ciganlija
Ada Ciganlija
Ada Ciganlija , colloquially shortened to Ada, is a river island that has artificially been turned into a peninsula, located in the Sava River's course through central Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. The name can also refer to the adjoining artificial Sava Lake and its beach...
for the fifth straight season.
Finals results - Serbian league and CEFL
| Year - League | Champion | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 - SAFS Serbian League* | Kragujevac Wild Boars | Vukovi Beograd | 21 - 6 |
| 2005 - SAFS Serbian Cup* | Vukovi Beograd | Kragujevac Wild Boars | 20 - 6 |
| 2006 - CEFL Bowl I | Kragujevac Wild Boars | Vukovi Beograd | 23 - 12 |
| 2007 - SAFS Serbian League | Vukovi Beograd | Novi Sad Dukes | 25 - 15 |
| 2007 - CEFL Bowl II | Vukovi Beograd | Budapest Wolves | 28 - 27 |
| 2008 - SAFS Serbian League | Kragujevac Wild Boars | Vukovi Beograd | 39 - 33 |
| 2008 - CEFL Bowl III | CNC Gladiators | Vukovi Beograd | 14 - 8 |
| 2009 - SAAF Serbian Superleague | Vukovi Beograd | Novi Sad Dukes | 46 - 0 |
| 2009 - CEFL Bowl IV | Vukovi Beograd | Cineplexx Blue Devils | 39 - 20 |
| 2010 - SAAF Serbian Superleague | Vukovi Beograd | Novi Sad Dukes | 40 - 2 |
| 2010 - CEFL Bowl V | Vukovi Beograd | Ljubljana Silverhawks | 42 - 20 |
| 2011 - SAAF Serbian Superleague | Vukovi Beograd | Kragujevac Wild Boars | 51 - 36 |
| 2011 - CEFL Bowl VI | Vukovi Beograd | Budapest Wolves | 34 - 33 |
* League played without equipment