West Flanders Tribes a dynasty in Belgium!

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Imagine a team going winless for three seasons. Imagine losing 78-0 and coming back for four more seasons before even winning a game. Then imagine rebounding from this, persevering and growing to become the most dominant club in your entire country, winning seven league championships, the last five in a row.

That is the story of the West Vlanderen Tribes or West Flanders Tribes, who became Belgium champions for a fifth straight time this season. If there is ever a lesson in commitment and focus the Tribes seem to provide it.

The origins of the Tribes begin with the Moeskroen Redskins who were disbanded and then resurrected by Rudy Dewaegemaker in 1990 and renamed the Izegem Redskins. The club underwent years of futility. They did not score their first touchdown until midway through the second season. Two years later they finally won a game.

In 1994, the Ostend Tigers, the only other team in West Flanders province, folded, so many of the players and coaches joined the Redskins and gradually the club began its steady improvement. Junior teams were added as well as flag football. Two practice fields were established and the club then formed two practice squads. The organization was undergoing serious growth and development. By 1999 the Izegem Redskins found themselves in the Belgian Bowl for the first time in their history, falling to the Antwerp Diamonds.

The following season, Izegem continued its success again reaching the final and this time they succeeded overcoming the Charleroi Cougars 22-12. In 2000, the team officially changed its name to reflect the entire province, to the West Flanders Tribes (West Vlanderen Tribes).

Head coach Mark Jasper: “I have coached here for the last two years and been fortunate. This is a great organization. The Tribes have built a dynasty in Belgium and Belgian American football is gaining in popularity and the level of coaching and play.”

Venturing into much more international competition such as the Atlantic Cup, the steady rise of the Tribes, and American football in Belgium in general, will continue.

Posted on 23 Jul 2010 - Go back to news list