All-Ironman Team Features Two Firebirds
May 22, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - Wide receiver Evan Hlavacek and fullback/linebacker Rich Young have been named to the Arena Football League's All-Ironman Team, the AFL League Office announced Wednesday afternoon. The All-Ironman Team was selected by the League's coaches.
The Firebirds along with the San Jose SaberCats and Tampa Bay Storm led all AFL teams with two selections each to the 2003 All-Ironman team.
Hlavacek (5-10, 185), who was named 2nd Team All-Arena earlier this week, had his best season in a Firebirds uniform during the 2003 season. Hlavacek led the 'Birds with 2,024 total yards including team records with 1,643 kick return yards and six return touchdowns. On defense, Hlavacek finished third on the Firebirds with 63 tackles with eight pass break-ups. In just eight games playing offense he tallied 15 receptions for 204 yards and five touchdowns.
Young (6-3, 255) finished the season with 30 tackles including 1.5 for a loss, four sacks, two interceptions, six quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Offensively, Young rushed the ball 19 times for 60 yards and six touchdowns.
The "All-Ironman" team, which honors players who excel on both sides of the football, was established by the 17-year-old AFL following the 1998 season.
The AFL Playoffs begin this Saturday, May 24 with the Wild Card Round when the No. 5 Dallas Desperados host the No. 12 Georgia Force at 3 p.m. ET (NBC). On Sunday, May 25 at 3 p.m. ET there will be three games: the No. 6-seeded Arizona Rattlers host the No. 11 seed, the Las Vegas Gladiators; the No. 7 Grand Rapids Rampage host the No. 10 Detroit Fury; and the No. 8 New York is scheduled to host the No. 9 Chicago. All games will be broadcast on NBC.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 22, 2003
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- AFL Quick Hitters - AFL I
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- All-Ironman Team Features Two Firebirds - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Wildcard Weekend Approaches - AFL I
- Rampage Begin Drive to ArenaBowl XVII this Sunday - Grand Rapids Rampage
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