Blaze Kicker Greg Gundersen Heads to CFL
May 18, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze are pleased to announce that K Greg Gundersen (6-0, 190, Wayne State) has signed a contract with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League.
During Gundersen's time with the Blaze, the kicking game improved dramatically after Gundersen took over the helm. In six games, Gundersen connected on 43-of-53 extra point attempts, averaging 81 percent. In the first two games, the Blaze were just 5-of-12 on extra point attempts, averaging only 42 percent.
Gundersen feels his AFL experience will be beneficial for his future based on the degree of difficulty the AFL kicking game brings. The goal posts in arena football are only nine feet wide and have a 15 foot high cross bar, compared to the NFL and CFL which are 18.5 feet wide and ten feet high.
"I feel like my experience in the AFL has really helped me improve," said Gundersen. "Kicking in the AFL can be intimidating with the smaller goal posts, so my game has improved more here than any other time in my career."
Gundersen is excited for the opportunity he has in front of him, and is grateful to the Blaze staff for the time he was able to spend in Utah.
"I wasn't signed anywhere, and Utah gave me a chance. Now I get to move on to a higher level of the game," he said. "I'll always be grateful to them for giving me that chance."
Gundersen will return home to Arizona to train for two weeks before reporting to Hamilton's pre-season camp June 1.
The Blaze have been trying out two kickers this week to replace Gundersen as they prepare to face the division-foe San Jose SaberCats this Saturday. Head Coach Ron James is expected to make a final decision Wednesday afternoon. The Blaze will also be holding a Pack-the-House night versus the SaberCats where all lower bowl tickets are $10. Call 888-99-BLAZE or visit www.smithstix.com to get your tickets today.
The Utah Blaze enter their fifth season in the Arena Football League in 2011and boast one of the top offenses in the AFL. The San Jose SaberCats come to town this week in their second divisional match-up of the season. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. (MT) on Saturday, May 21st. The Blaze are proud to be under new ownership and making notable strides in providing fans with a premier Arena Football experience. Make sure to follow the Blaze on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news on the team. 2011 Blaze Season Tickets are on SALE NOW! Call 888-99BLAZE to reserve your seat in the action or information can be found at www.utblaze.com.
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- Blaze Kicker Greg Gundersen Heads to CFL - Utah Blaze
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