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AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

Al Lucas Hero Team Honors Community All-Stars

July 16, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


NEW YORK - The Al Lucas Hero Award is presented annually to the player who makes the most significant contribution to both his community and the game of Arena Football. The award was created in honor of the late Los Angeles Avenger lineman Al Lucas, who believed in both giving back to his community and growing the AFL.

The following players have been named to the Al Lucas Hero Team and are all nominated to receive the Al Lucas Hero Award which will be announced on Tuesday, July 17:

Player Team

Dane Krager Austin Wranglers

John Dutton Colorado Crush

Clint Dolezel Dallas Desperados

Chad Salisbury Grand Rapids Rampage

Jason Stewart Los Angeles Avengers

Chris Anthony New York Dragons

Shane Stafford Orlando Predators

Hans Olsen Utah Blaze

DANE KRAGER: Krager battles a slight learning disability and has used his own struggles to help children and schools that benefit special needs. He has donated several hours of his time and money to help the LIVE (Leander Independent Vocational Education) Foundation, making monetary donations for a luncheon as well as being a keynote speaker. Krager helps with the Out-of-the-School-Box which helps support families with children who have learning disorders. He spends much of his free time mentoring high school and middle school football teams and helping at Youth Football camps and clinics.

JOHN DUTTON: Dutton and his wife started and supported an Ethiopian orphanage through The Dutton Foundation. Making several trips to Ethiopia, he's seen firsthand what the smallest efforts can help produce. On his first visit to the country, he met the oldest orphan at the orphanage, 11-year-old Miki. Feeling an instant connection, the Dutton's initiated the adoption process and have since brought Miki to the United States and have welcomed him into the Dutton family. Outside of his work with the orphanage, Dutton was named as Denver Fan's Choice Hometown Hero Award and has spent many hours helping his community being a role model as an athlete, husband, and father. Dutton was one of six AFL quarterbacks who filmed a PSA with Children's Miracle Network while speaking to various Pop Warner football teams in Orlando at the Pop Warner Super Bowl.

CLINT DOLEZEL: Dolezel has spent most of his charitable efforts working with underprivileged children. "Clint's Corner" is a section in the American Airlines Center designated for children that would normally be unable to attend any kind of professional event. He is also part of Desperados Impact Player Program which helps to show a positive influence in kids. During the offseason, Dolezel joined Dutton at the PSA filming with Children's Miracle Network while representing the AFL at the Pop Warner Super Bowl. Dolezel also spends time at the Notre Dame School, which focuses on children with mental disabilities.

CHAD SALISBURY: Salisbury is the head coach of Byron Center High School freshman football team and is a substitute teacher at various schools around the region. He was an active participant in the U.S. Army Grand Rapids Rampage AFL Passing Clinic and the Rampage Women's Football Academy. After the Rampage finished the season with a 4-12 record, Salisbury spent two days calling Grand Rapids' Season Ticket Holders to thank them for their support and encourage them to return for the 2008 season.

JASON STEWART: Stewart didn't have an easy childhood. He began playing football as a release from the streets and became an inspirational leader for his high school football team. He now focuses his efforts on Orangewood PALS Children's Home, the county's emergency shelter for abused and neglected children. He speaks to the students about the importance of getting good grades, being involved in the community, and the importance of being honest. He has been using his new found faith to support Metro Kidz, a non-profit Christian organization dedicated to helping troubled teens and confused parents.

CHRIS ANTHONY: Anthony is always the first to volunteer for his team, spending countless hours at children's hospitals and children's events. After a Dragons victory this season, he and other teammates leaped into a 1,500 gallon pool of JELL-O to benefit the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. Inspired by Al Lucas' passing and later by an 18-year old boy who was left paralyzed after a football injury, he started SpineLife, a charity for people with sports related injuries. Anthony is a practicing medical student, preparing to further his plan so "he can help more people."

SHANE STAFFORD: Stafford has spent his charitable time split between two cities, Orlando and Tampa. He spends much of his off time at the Children's Cancer Center in Tampa, making three-to-four visits per month. Stafford joined Dolezel and Dutton in Orlando for the Children's Miracle Network PSA shoot and Pop Warner Super Bowl. He's also been a celebrity model in fashion shows benefiting the Children's Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Stafford has volunteered his time teaching youth football programs and is the first to volunteer to fulfill Predators sponsorship commitments. He also made a huge effort to raise funds for former teammate Nyle Wiren's child after the death of Nyle's wife earlier this season.

HANS OLSEN: Olsen is very active in his community and is always wiling to help. He has given his time to causes such as the Special Olympics, Shriners Children's Hospital and Make-A-Wish Foundation. He became extremely active when a terminally ill child made a wish to meet the Blaze. Ryker, a six-year-old batting an aggressive brain tumor, was greeted by Olsen and four other players for a day he'd never forget. After spending the day with Ryker, Olsen became attached to him. He continued to make trips to visit Ryker and his family and has continued to be a familiar face around Ryker's household after he sadly passed away a few months ago. Lori, Ryker's mother, said "Hans is a true hero and will always be part of our family."



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 16, 2007


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