Charles 'Chuck' Ebron Interview

We caught up with former Cowboys coach and player Charles Ebron, also known as Chuck, to find out a bit more on the Cowboys in the 80/90s. 

You had a great history within football how did you start out before Craigavon Cowboys?
“Public school, college at Delaware State College, try out with the Jets in 76, then 5 years semi pro in the NY Metro League with the Huntington Giant's for 1 season and the Jersey Oaks for 4 seasons.”

You came to Ireland when it was a very early in the development of the game, what was the football like back then?
“Very good, but I was blessed with a team full of raw talent that I was very honored to coach and play along side. Not a bad word about any of them or any regrets. They ARE the best.”

What is your favorite memory of coaching the Cowboys?
“After the first game that I coached against the Spartans. Cowboys lost to them the week before and they came to our place that next week. We won 49 - 0 and the refs approached me after the game to ask if we were the same team as last week. I said “I wasn't aware of any roster changes, why?”, “Because your players never argued with us one time during the whole game”. You see why it was such a pleasure to coach them, they not only listened to me, but they also trusted me.”

Our Current Head Coach Greg Loughran played under you back then, what was he like as a player?
“Very good player, always done whatever was asked of him and oh, he could hit!! Anyone of that team he played in could have been a really good football coach.”

You obviously had a big impact on the culture and the ethos at Craigavon Cowboys with your early coaching, what would you say is important to being a Cowboy?
“That they have to be FAT to make it: Faithfull, Available, and Teachable.”

If you could say anything to the current crop of players what would it be?
“I'll be down to see you guys some time and trust that you will work hard and also LEAVE THE REFS ALONE. As for Da (Greg Loughran), you guys can encourage him by your ever increasing quality of performance. Look after each other on and off the field and you'll be great. Take care.”

Thank you Charles for taking time to talk to us. Sundays game against the Rhinos will kickoff at 2pm, with a post match reception at the Parkside Inn, everyone welcome!