Head Coach Greg Toal Selected to Lead the EAST Squad
RAMSEY, N.J. (October 13, 2006) – Justin Trattou and Matt Simms of Ramsey have been named 2007 U.S. Army All-Americans. For the first time, Justin Trattou will team up with fellow All-Americans and Notre Dame commits (Jimmy Clausen and Aaron Nagel) and Matt Simms will meet up with future opponents before he becomes a Louisville Cardinal. They will join a group of extraordinary student-athletes selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Saturday, January 6, 2007 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. This classic East vs. West match-up will be televised live on NBC at 1:00 p.m. (EST) and will feature the nation’s top 80 high school football athletes.
Coach Greg Toal of Don Bosco High School has been named the EAST Squad’s Head Coach. Joining his All-American staff will be offensive coordinator, Coach Nunzio Campanile.
Since its inception, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has been a key launching pad for America’s future college and NFL stars. Trattou and Simms join the likes of Reggie Bush, Vince Young, Brady Quinn, and Adrian Peterson who all made their national debuts as U.S. Army All-Americans.
“We are excited to see these fine young men represent their school and community as U.S. Army All-Americans,” said Colonel Thomas Nickerson, Director of Strategic Outreach for the U.S. Army Accessions Command. “The U.S. Army recognizes the value of individual talents toward achieving team goals, and Justin Trattou’s and Matt Simms’ abilities and dedication make them strong additions to the game.”
Trattou is a standout defensive lineman and Matt Simms is a standout quarterback at Don Bosco Prep and were two of 400 players nominated nationally and then ultimately selected by the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Committee. The committee consists of Scout.com, Tom Lemming, and SportsLink. As U.S. Army All-Americans, Trattou and Simms are eligible for the following honors: National H.S. Player of the Year Award, Walter Payton Trophy, AFL Ironman of the Year, U.S. Army Scholar Athlete Awards, and the Glenn Davis and Doc Blanchard U.S. Army Awards.
“Justin Trattou is considered the top defensive lineman in the east,” said Garrett Shea, Director of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. “He dominates almost every player he goes up against with his long arms, quick feet, strength, determination, and relentless style of play. He gets off blocks well, showing great ability to rush the passer as well as stop the run. He has a nonstop motor, and offensive linemen will have to be on the top of their game every play in order to have a chance. Justin Trattou is an excellent all-around athlete and the Bowl is proud to have him join the U.S. Army All-American class of 2007.”
“Matt Simms ranks as of the nation’s top signal callers,” said Garrett Shea, Director of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. “Like his father (Phil Simms) and brother (Chris Simms), Matt has a great arm and a wonderful ability to complete passes at a high percentage. He shows good arm strength and accuracy in the pocket as well as on the rollout. In addition, he is a great leader and shows true poise on the field. Matt Simms is a tremendous athlete and the Bowl is proud to have him join the U.S. Army All-American class of 2007.”
As U.S. Army All-Americans, Justin Trattou and Matt Simms will have the opportunity during Bowl week to participate in a series of Army leadership and teamwork sessions, NFL athlete seminars, study hall sessions, and goal setting and achieving workshops.
As part of being selected to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, each athlete’s head coach is invited to travel to San Antonio compliments of the U.S. Army and attend the U.S. Army National Coaches Clinic presented by Prep Sports Online.
For more information on the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, alumni, coaches, awards, and other Bowl Week events please visit www.usarmyallamericanbowl.com & www.goarmy.com
