The German Football League’s Dresden Monarchs have re-signed their team 2014 MVP and are bringing back a key defensive import for 2015.
The Dresden Monarchs reached the German semi-finals last season before losing to the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns 33-27 in the semifinals. The re-signing of Guillaume Rioux and Quade Chappuis shows the Monarchs are reloading their roster for another run at the German Football League title in 2015!
In 2014, Rioux led the GFL North in receiving yards per game and receptions per game.
The Monarchs also re-signed linebacker/safety Quade Chappuis. Chappuis played for the Utah Utes in the NCAA before coming to the GFL in 2014. Last season he led the GFL North in interceptions and was instrumental in helping the MNRX defense to a #2 ranking in scoring defense and #2 in overall defense.
Dresden Monarchs Head Coach John Leijten on his 2015 signings;
We are very pleased to be able to sign both Quade Chappuis and Guillaume Rioux for the 2015 season. Guillaume was able to make a difference on all three phases of the game and his play won him the MNRX MVP award. He has a great passion for the game and he is highly motivated to not only get the best out of himself but his teammates.
Quade is like a coach on the field. He brings a lot of energy to practice and games. He leads by example and puts fear in opponents receivers. Earlier in the year we also able to sign French defensive back Sebastien Sejean and Australian linebacker Damien Donaldson for 2015.
AFI also had a chance to chat with Guillaume Rioux about his re-signing;
What made you choose Germany and specifically Dresden again for 2015?
Back in 2014 I started to look at my options in case I wouldn’t make a (Canadian Football League) CFL roster. I talked to a couple friends from Europe about the possibility of playing football overseas. Their message was clear, the best football in Europe is either in Germany or Austria. As a competitor, I want to compete with the best!
In 2014, I chose Dresden for a few reasons: they are competitive team that would play the BIG6, the opportunity to play with a top quarterback in Jeff Welsh, the presence of a good friend Sebastien Sejean, and the fact that Dresden is a beautiful city.
In 2015, I wanted to be loyal to the Monarchs who first gave me the opportunity and help them accomplish what was never done in Dresden: win a German Bowl!
What are your personal goals for 2015?
Winning a championship is the only ‘goal’ that matters for me. That said, winning a championship is a long journey and its the process that truly matters for me. My real goal is to make sure my teammates and I take care of every step in that process, to improve every practice, every game. If we do that, then we have a shot for a championship ring!
How can Dresden compete with powerful GFL teams like Braunschweig & Schwäbisch Hall in 2015?
Recruiting is far from over but if we bring in the right group of guys, work together and improve during the whole season, I have no doubt we can compete with the best. I have a lot of respect for my opponent and in order to beat teams like Braunschweig or Schwäbisch Hall, we still have a lot of work to do!
Check out Guillaume Rioux’s 2014 highlights below!
