Rampage Introduce Coaches, Announce First Open Tryout
May 31, 2011 - Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL)
Rome Rampage News Release
The Rome Rampage is proud to announce the first two members of their coaching staff as well as initial details of their first open player tryout, to be held on the Campus of Shorter University on June 25th. The developments were announced at the team's press conference held Monday at The Forum Civic Center, located in the heart of beautiful downtown Rome. In addition, the team revealed that the team offices will also be located downtown at 318 Broad Street, where fans will be able to purchase tickets and merchandise and coaches and staff will have their offices.
JOE MICCO - HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
Joe Micco becomes the first Head Coach in Rampage team history, bringing a wealth of Arena Football knowledge and experience to Rome. His coaching career began with the three time Arena Bowl Champion San Jose SaberCats, where he absorbed offensive philosophies from Coach Terry Malley. Coach Micco is bringing Malley's offense to Rome, which averaged over 54 points per game over 14 seasons (7 seasons of which it averages over 60+ points per game). While in San Jose, Micco assisted Malley, performing Offensive Quality Control duties as well as serving as a Player Personnel Assistant, scouting both collegiate and pro personnel.
Micco has also had the chance to work with numerous NFL athletes while working at Stanford University including QB Andrew Luck, four 2011 NFL Draft Picks, NFL DB Tank Williams, former Oakland Raider Nick Sanchez, Tennessee Titan Panel Egboh, and New Orleans Saint Alex Fletcher. Before coaching at Stanford, Micco's first collegiate post was spent as the Quarterbacks Coach at Framingham State University (MA). There he tutored Bruce Rich, a converted defensive back, who would set single season passing records and earn the Boston Globe's prestigious Golden Helmet Award for the top player in Division II/III in the Northeast while leading the team to the programs best record in 25 seasons.
In between coaching stints, Micco has had the opportunity to work for former NFL Head Coach Herm Edwards at his summer camp at Fort Ord, CA, and worked with SaberCats QB Mark Grieb at his QB/WR Academy in San Jose, CA.
A four year veteran of the AFL/af2 as a QB, the prospect of helping players like himself learn the indoor game, take their careers to the next level, and providing a winning product to the city of Rome is the most rewarding aspects of serving as Head Coach of your Rome Rampage.
LOU VEGA - OFFENSIVE/DEFENSIVE LINE COACH
A nine year veteran of the Arena Football League and arenafootball2, Vega joins the joins the Rampage with the responsibility of coaching the Offensive and Defensive Lines. Vega played collegiately at West Virginia and Glenville state before beginning his professional playing career. The Rampage linemen will benefit from Vega's unique experience of personally playing on both sides of the ball in the area game. Vega, whose professional career began in 2001, predates the 'free-substitution' rule which ended the requirement of playing both ways. Because of this, Vega has lined up at OL, DL, FB, and LB during his professional career. Known for his technical play that Vega credits as the reason for the longevity of his career, the Rampage front lines will benefit from having the most experienced line coach in the UIFL. Vega stated that "I see the total culmination of (my career) all today with the Rome Rampage. I'm here to get the guys to the next level. I'm looking for hard-working guys. We're here to just have fun. I'm looking forward to the season."
OPEN PLAYER TRYOUTS - JUNE 25, 2011 - 10 AM - SHORTER UNIVERSITY
The first Rampage open player tryout will be conducted on the campus of Shorter University on June 25 at 10AM. Registration information, directions, pricing, and other information will be available upon the launch of the team's website, www.RomeRampage.com.
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Ultimate Indoor Football League Stories from May 31, 2011
- Rampage Introduce Coaches, Announce First Open Tryout - Rome Rampage
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