Sports stats



AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

Al Lucas Hero Team Honors Community All-Stars

July 14, 2008 - 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 Avengers lineman Al Lucas, who believed in both giving back to his community and growing the AFL.

OTIS AMEY: Amey represented the Gladiators in numerous community events including: Olmsted Falls Community Center "Night out with the Kids", Boys & Girls Clubs "Visit with the Kids" Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Visit, Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital "Visit with the Kids", Community partner appearances at Buffalo Wild Wings and Champs Sporting Goods Center for Mental Retardation Walk and Expo for people with Disabilities.

MIKE BROWN: Brown has always made an impact in the Philadelphia community. He attends community events, donates jerseys and autographed items for fundraisers, visits schools and speaks with children about the importance of education. Brown and WJJZ Program Director Mike Tozzi joined forces as "Mike & Michael" to help spearhead a program called "P.E.A.C.E. Through Music," (Providing Educational Awareness to Communities Everywhere), a program designed to promote diversity through education about conflict resolution and the understanding and acceptance of other cultures. The program has four components: An essay, educational forums where they interact with students, attendance by groups of "P.E.A.C.E. Through Music" students at Soul home games and an on-air awareness campaign and online resource center to promote all of the program's themes.

MKRISTO BRUCE: Mkristo has been involved in youth athletics in the community by volunteering his time as a coach with a little league team and a high school football program. As a Little Buddy Mentor, Mkristo has helped guide underprivileged kids in the community. This year, with the Rattlers, Mkristo has been a part of the Hearts and Hands Day at the Phoenix Children's Hospital and the YMCA Youth Flag Football tournament.

HENRY BRYANT: Bryant has always been a big booster of visiting hospitals in the area, whether it is to talk to adults fighting cancer or children facing ailments. He is committed to talking to local groups about his upbringing, challenges and where he is now. He enjoys speaking to youth that might have some of the same family challenges he has had. In addition to speaking to children locally, Bryant also speaks with groups on the road.

BRANDON ISAIAH: Isaiah has volunteered for many community relations activities as a member of the Kansas City Brigade's practice squad. He participated in two football camps as well as the Charlie Parker Summer Kick-Off, where he signed autographs for kids, helped organize games, and served food to families and children. Isaiah also took part in Helping Hands (Brigade's main charity). Brandon, along with members of the front office visited the Walker family, who has 18 adopted children living in one home.

CARLOS MARTINEZ: Carlos began the Georgia Force's version of "Kicking For The Cure" to benefit the Georgia based Ovarian Cancer Institute by raising funds and awareness for this deadly disease. During the 2008 Georgia Force season, Martinez pledged $25 to the Ovarian Cancer Institute for every field goal he successfully made and $10 for every converted extra point. Before the Force's final home playoff game, Martinez, along with help from the Force, presented the Ovarian Cancer Institute with a check for $6,459.

MICHAEL MCFADDEN: McFadden attended 24 youth football practices where he spoke to more than 5,000 youth football players during the 2008 season. He attended the U.S. Army Be Strong for Life High School Tour reaching more than 1,500 high school students. McFadden made weekly visits to Harrison Park Elementary School, participated in the Children's Miracle Network Telethon and volunteered as a "Big Brother" for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

BOBBY PERRY: Perry has spent his four seasons with the Desperados volunteering in the Dallas/Fort Worth community working with the Desperados Impact Player Program. He has also worked with local Boys and Girls Clubs serving at-risk children's after school programs by helping them with homework, arts and crafts, and other sports. Perry also volunteers at the Children's Medical Center of Dallas and non-profit organizations in the North Texas area.

SHANE STAFFORD: Stafford is actively involved with the Children's Cancer Center in Tampa, FL where he helps counsel families of sick children. During Children's Miracle Network Week, Stafford and the Predators visited the Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital where they played games with children and had hand prints auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting CMN.

KEVIN SWAYNE: Swayne is active in the Long Island community in many aspects, such as sponsoring a Long Island flag football team in Uniondale, NY. He coordinated a Thanksgiving Dinner drive for the Hempstead Low-Income Housing Area and serves as keynote speaker for the Long Island Youth for Christ Events. Swayne organized a charity golf event for MANNA Worldwide, a ministry that builds feeding centers worldwide. He's also part of a church group that gives a Christmas Party each year for girls at Momma's House in Jericho, NY. An ordained minister, Swayne is highly involved with every aspect of his church.

DANNY WIMPRINE: Wimprine has made countless visits to the pediatric and cancer wards at Ochsner Hospital, speaking with both children and senior citizens. He also spends adequate time speaking to the community about his personal story, what he does and about the Arena Football League in general. He is very active with Special Olympics locally and attends events.

• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 14, 2008


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.


Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central