First ever Bob 'The Dog' Shaw Classic held at RAF Alconbury

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  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom --  The first ever Bob "The Dog" Shaw Classic was held May 12 at the RAF Alconbury football field in support of Bob "The Dog" Shaw's battle with pancreatic cancer.

The game is a fully sanctioned British American Football Association National League between to Premiere Teams - the Peterborough Saxons and Cambridgeshire Cats. These two teams have a history of playing each other for years and consider each other rivals. Both teams also have military personnel from RAF Alconbury, RAF Molesworth, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath playing alongside British players.

Coach Shaw has been a major part of the community at RAF Alconbury and RAF Molesworth for years and also lots of ties within the entire 501st Combat Support Wing. He is a mentor to many students past and present and has played a great part of the community from his job to his coaching.

Coach Shaw has been a part of both teams as an offensive line coach for both the Saxons and Cats but also was the head coach for the Cats just recently.

Perhaps Coach Shaw's most lasting influence has been his position as the offensive and defensive line coach for the Alconbury Dragons High School football team. Coupled with his profession as dog trainer and handler with the Ministry of Defense, Shaw became a mentor and role model for hundreds of American and British military children who learned and grew under his tutelage. Off the field, Shaw was involved in the work and study career practicum program at the high school training many Alconbury students in his profession. On the field, the Dragons qualified for the playoffs five times during his tenure- winning the Division III Championship in 2009 and being runners-up in 2008 and 2010. The Most Valuable Lineman trophy given every year bears his name.

Unfortunately, Coach Shaw lost his battle with cancer the morning of the game.