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2007 Rampage Training Camp Begins Monday

January 31, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


KENTWOOD - With only one month remaining until the kickoff of the Grand Rapids Rampage's 10th Anniversary Season, the players will gather on Monday (Feb. 5) from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. EST here at The Soccer Spot for their first practice of training camp.

Arena Football League veterans such as Rampage legend fullback/linebacker Chris Avery (Grenada, Miss.) will join otherwise accomplished league rookies such as former NFL first-round draft pick Troy Edwards (Shreveport, La.) as Grand Rapids takes its first steps in the race for the 2007 Central Division crown.

Training camp will allow players such as quarterback Chad Salisbury (Perryopolis, Pa.) and fullback/linebacker Chris Ryan (Lake Charles, La.), seven-year AFL veterans and key members of last season's Rampage squad, to hone their skills and showcase their hard offseason work.

"We're really excited about the effort that Chad has put in this offseason," said Sparky McEwen, head coach and director of football operations for the Rampage. "He's trimmed up and looks like a whole new Salisbury. Chad's the perfect example of how hard work is going to make us successful this year."

Meanwhile, fresh faces such as last season's arenafootball2 Schutt Offensive Player of the Year Rob Mager (Seymour, Ind.) will be battling for coveted spots on Grand Rapids' roster. Mager lit up the af2 from the wide receiver position in 2006, but knows that lining up against defensive backs such as the Rampage's own Jonathan Ordway (Seffner, Fla.) will present a completely new challenge.

"Playing in the af2 the last two seasons has taught me the game and allowed me to gain confidence in what I can do as an athlete," said Mager. "I'm excited for this opportunity with the AFL, and I hope I can step up and rise above during camp."

The Rampage will be running drills, taking part in intrasquad scrimmages and reviewing film at The Soccer Spot (located at 3701 32nd St., Kentwood, MI 49512) through Feb. 22, when the roster will be trimmed from 37 players to its final active total of 24. In addition, Grand Rapids will travel to San Jose, Calif., Feb. 14-15 to take part in shared practices with the AFL's SaberCats.

Fans can catch their first glimpse of the 2007 Grand Rapids Rampage this Monday, and all practices listed below are open to the public. Grand Rapids will kick off its season March 4 against the Colorado Crush in Denver. The Rampage return home for their home opener on March 8 when they will welcome the Las Vegas Gladiators.

2007 Rampage Training Camp Schedule

Date Event Time (EST) Location

Feb. 5 Practice 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Soccer Spot

Feb. 6 Practice 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Soccer Spot

Feb. 7 Practice 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Soccer Spot

Feb. 8 Practice 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Soccer Spot

Feb. 9 Intrasquad Scrimmage 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Soccer Spot

Feb. 12 Practice 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Soccer Spot

Feb. 14-15 Shared Practices w/ SaberCats

San Jose, Calif.

Feb. 18 Special Teams Practice 7 a.m. - 8 a.m. Soccer Spot

Feb. 19 Practice 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Soccer Spot

Feb. 20 Situational Intrasquad Scrimmage 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Soccer Spot

Feb. 21 Practice 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Soccer Spot

Feb. 22 Final Cut-Down Day

Feb. 23 Practice 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Soccer Spot

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The Grand Rapids Rampage are preparing to celebrate their 10th season in the Arena Football League. The Rampage, ArenaBowl XV champions, compete in the league's American Conference. The team is led by third-year head coach Sparky McEwen, and plays its games at Centennial Wireless Field in Van Andel Arena.

The Arena Football League, entering its 21st season, was dubbed the fifth major-league sport by ESPN the Magazine in 2004. The league consists of 19 teams split into two conferences and four divisions.

For the latest team news, visit RampageFootball.com.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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