Ravens Seniors will kick-off their 2010 season with a tough contest against defending champions Gold Coast Stingrays, whilst the juniors will take on the Western Cougars.

Saturday 28 August is the date, with venues and game times to be confirmed shortly.

Recrtuiters across America are chasing him and the media spotlight has followed him home to Australia as Jesse Williams looks to make his decision about where to play College football in 2011.

Read the Courier Mail article here. There are whispers that a Channel 7 feature story is on the cards as well. Stay tuned for more information.

Jesse returns to the US this week where he will prepare for his 2010 season with Arizona Western. He has an 'Official Visit' scheduled for the University of Alabama at the start of September.

Bayside Ravens celebrate their 10th Anniversary and 2010 season launch on Saturday 21 August at Easts Carina Leagues Club. Past and present Ravens and their families will come together to celebrate the history of the club and the exciting season ahead.

Tickets are $35 per person and include dinner. Dress is Shirt and Tie. Please book your ticket by 21 July. Contact Steve Box - ravens@gridironqld.asn.au to secure yours.

Ravens Senior team coaches have been finalised after some new additions. Steve Box will return as Head Coach and be ably supported by a valued staff of Harry Alderton, Gerard Fitzpatrick, Liam Flannery, Nigel Law and Ben Sinapati.

In Juniors Liam Flannery takes his first role as Junior Head Coach with Steve Box, Gerard Fitzpatrick, Luke Middleton and Kevin Turner adding to the coaching group.

Both teams have started well with pre-season training and coaches are pleased with early progress. A long road remains ahead for the season and ultimate Sunbowl aspirations.

Ravens seniors will trade the field for the floor on Friday 4 June as the team takes in a session with specialist trainers Acceleration Australia at Chandler. Acceleration Centre Director Byron Williams and his team will take the Ravens through a rigorous workout designed to improve speed and explosiveness on the football field. We look forward to using all that we learn as we continue to build and prepare for the season ahead.

Baysideravens.com sat down to have a chat with former Raven and collegiate headline-grabber Jesse Williams as he spends some time home with his family over summer. Williams recently announced his Top 5 schools in consideration for his scholarship selection for 2011 -Alabama, Louisiana State, Mississippi, Oklahoma State, Oregon State. Pretty heady programs for a young guy from Morningside. Here is a short Q & A session.

1) What was the biggest adjustment going from Ravens football to Arizona Western?

"It would definitely be the tempo of the game and the size of opponents I come up against not only in the games but fellow players at practice."

2) What area of your game has improved the most?

"I think it would be the use of my hands and overall knowledge of the game. Also my body lifting strength and speed etc."

3) How have you managed with your studies?

"It's tough but I have handled it by trying to manage time wisely and I have a very jam packed schedule with that still. I think the best way to do it is to be very organised."

4) What is the biggest challenge in being a student and athlete?

"Not only trying to find time in my football schedule to study but also to handle the Arizona HEAT."

5) What are your goals for the coming season at AWC?

"To repeat as conference champions and make all- conference and all- region teams and also all-american. I'd also would like to have a 20 sack season."

6) How has it felt being recruited by so many Div 1 schools?

"Very overwhelming, but also very exciting for me. It's great to have this much positive attention and it definitely compliments my football ability."

7) Did you ever think 5 years ago that you would have these opportunities?

"Not at all. I never saw myself being such a hot 'commodity' in the recruiting business. I have to just make the most of these opportunities now."

8) What is the toughest thing about living so far from home?

"Adjusting to the US way of life and the cultural difference."

9) If you could give 1 piece of advice to any young local player keen to pursue collegiate football, what would it be?

"To remember that student comes before athlete and that you can be the best player the world has ever seen, but you will never go anywhere if you do not have the grades to back that up."

Former Ravens Junior Standout and current Arizona Western College Sophomore Jesse Williams returns home to Brisbane this month, taking the chance to catchup with family and complete some external studies over the summer (US Summer).

While back in Oz he will be spending time considering his college options post-2010, finishing his Arizona Western College Sophomore season to move on to Division 1 football. With offers from all over the country it is a decision that many would envy having to make, but the recognition is a product of years of hard work and commitment to training, playing and most recently to his studies. During his time in Australia he hopes to make his way down to Ravens training to catch up with old teammates, meet the latest group of Ravens and share some of his experiences. Wherever he ends up playing in 2011, we know there will be a whole new legion of fans from this neck of the woods.

Pre-season training is underway and things have started impressively for both junior and senior teams.

Coaches have been delighted with the effort and enthusiasm of all, particularly newcomers to the club who will be sure to make excellent contributions to the success of the team on and off the field in 2010.

It is a long road ahead to the Sunbowl goals of both teams, but with a positive start, anything is possible.

Training moves to two nights a week from next Monday 17 May.

Wednesday 5 May will see the commencement of official 2010 Ravens training at Judy Holt Park.

All juniors will commence training at 5pm, with senior rookies and newcomers to begin at 7pm. Returning seniors are invited along for the session as well, but the focus is on new players.

Full senior training will commence on Wednesday 12 May, with the program moving in to Monday and Wednesday sessions from Monday 17 May.

Players will be issued with their new training apparel for the year on their first night, with returning players to wear 2009 training shorts. No equipment is required for the first sessions, except for boots.

All players are reminded to ensure they have paid their minimum of $150 prior to training commencement.

We look forward to seeing everyone there and ready for the road ahead.

Saturday 21 August 2010 at Easts Carina Leagues Club, Bayside Ravens will celebrate 10 years as a club with a great event for past and present players, coaches, administrators and supporters.

The event will serve dually as a launch for the 2010 season and as a celebration of the club's history.

On the night, key contributing Ravens will be recognised as members of Junior and Senior 10 Year Teams selected by a panel of judges, a number of members will be presented with Honourary Life Membership and the Flight Leaders Honour Roll will be announced.

Stay tuned for details on costs and ticket booking and how to get involved. All past and present Ravens are encouraged to be part of what should be an enjoyable night for all.

Bayside Ravens early Sign On Day has proven a big success, particularly in senior ranks where almost 50 players are now signed on for 2010.

Good returning numbers in both divisions combined with some new recruits has the club looking strong ahead of the commencement of pre-season.

It is not too late to still sign on for 2010. Contact Steve Box on 0402 859 406 for more information on how to register.