AFL great Barry Wagner joins Thunder
March 29, 2007 - World Indoor Football League 2 (WIFL 2)
Daytona Beach Thunder News Release
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Considered one of, if not THE greatest player in arena football history, Barry Wagner has signed a playing contract with the Daytona Beach Thunder of the World Indoor Football League, Head Coach Leon Bright announced Thursday at a media opportunity held at the Chisholm Center in DeLand, Fla.
In his 15-year Arena Football League career, "Wags" amassed 13,363 receiving yards, 885 rushing yards and a combined 410 touchdowns while being a part of three championship teams (1998 Orlando Predators and 2002 and 2004 San Jose SaberCats). The six-time "Ironman" is the AFL's career all-purpose yardage leader with 21,032 yards.
Wagner, 39, joins the Thunder to stay in football shape after being released by the AFL's Tampa Bay Storm, and also remain close to home and to help develop young players.
"I'm not a miracle worker, I'm not a savior ... I'm here to help out," Wagner said. "There's still some juice left in me. Why not help a team grow?"
Bright said the Wagner's presence alone makes an impact.
"Barry still has some quality football left in him and he still runs a 4.5 40-yard dash," Bright said. "This is going to be a lot of fun. He came to a practice the other day and he had our players in awe. It's a great opportunity for our players to play alongside a living legend.
"Also, it's a huge spirit lifter having Barry with us," Bright added. "It has been a rough time for us since the death of Javan Camon. We now have a positive to build on and get this thing on track."
Wagner will make his Daytona Beach debut Saturday night when the 0-3 Thunder hosts the Augusta Spartans on DBCC Public Broadcasting 15 Field at the Ocean Center. Kickoff is 6:30 p.m. Next week, the Thunder travels to Kissimmee to play the Osceola Ghostriders.
"Barry's still popular in the area from his days with the Predators," Bright said. "We hope to see a lot of those fans see us play the next couple of weeks while Orlando's out of town."
He'll play at wide receiver and may resume his Ironman ways by seeing time at defensive back.
"I've been an emergency quarterback and I've kicked off," Wagner said. "Whatever it takes."
Tickets for Saturday's game, which will include a halftime ceremony honoring Camon with his jersey retirement, are available at the Ocean Center Box Office or www.ticketmaster.com. Fans are encouraged to arrive early and buy tickets in advance.
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World Indoor Football League 2 Stories from March 29, 2007
- AFL great Barry Wagner joins Thunder - Daytona Beach Thunder
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