Beef update
January 26, 2006 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Omaha Beef News Release
The 2006 squad is beginning to take shape with the early signings of returners: Neuby Ras, Jaron Cook, and Henry Whitehead and newcomers: James Poynter and Chris Loos.
Wide Receiver Neuby Ras returns to the Beef after a successful rookie season that saw him finish with 20 receptions for 203 yards and 4 TD's in 10 games. "Neuby overcame a nagging hamstring injury to start last season and eventually became one of our most complete receivers," stated Head Coach Robert Fuller. "Neuby was one of the best run blocking receivers in the league last season and he has a great opportunity to become a featured player for us in 2006."
University of Northern Colorado standout Jaron Cook returns to battle for a starting spot on the Beef offensive line in 2006. Jaron provided outstanding depth last season on an offensive line that allowed a UIF low eight sacks in 16 games. "Jaron could have started for more than a few programs last season and was a real asset to the Beef," said Coach Fuller. "He is an outstanding young man and has trained very hard this off season. I think he is poised for a great season." Jaron resides in Omaha and is a strength and conditioning specialist for the Xplosive Edge.
Henry Whitehead returns to the Omaha Beef secondary after a promising rookie season. Whitehead, from the University of Louisiana-Monroe, overcame early injuries to emerge as the leader of the Beef secondary. "Henry is an amazing athlete and I think he has the ability to be standout for us," stated Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator James Kerwin. Henry now resides in Omaha and works as an Outreach Specialist for the Edmonson Outreach Center.
The University of Nebraska-Kearney standout offensive lineman James Poynter will begin his professional career with the Omaha Beef. The 6'2 300 lineman from Plainview, NE, is the only offensive lineman in UNK history to be a three-time All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference selection. Poynter was also selected to the Don Hansen and Daktronics All-Region teams. James paved the way up front for the Lopers as they won the RMAC conference championship outright and participated in the NCAA Division II playoffs. James graduated in December with a degree in business administration and finished as a three time All-Academic RMAC and two-time All-District Academic award winner.
"The first time I saw James on film I was just blown away," stated Head Coach Robert Fuller. "James has great technique, unbelievable feet, and is one of the most aggressive offensive lineman I have seen in awhile. James also excelled in the classroom and has a very bright future on and off the field." Poynter follows former Loper standout offensive lineman Brett Wetton to the Beef offensive line. "UNK head coach Darrell Morris is the offensive line coach out there and he turns out some great ones year in and year out," Fuller added.
Chris Loos of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will join the fight for a spot on the Beef offensive line. The 6'3 320 lineman from Lincoln, NE, played in 11 games as a red shirt freshman at Nebraska before battling through major knee injuries his sophomore and junior seasons. Loos got back onto the field as a senior and helped Nebraska to a 10-3 record and a victory against Michigan State in the 2003 Alamo bowl. Chris played in parts of two seasons with the Lincoln Capitols before joining the Beef.
"Chris was a man amongst boys last season and we think he can make quite an impact for us up front," stated Head Coach Robert Fuller. "Chris played at one of the countries most successful programs and brings experience and knowledge to our offensive line. He is a gritty competitor and plays a very physical style of football. He is a mauler."
Before Nebraska Loos was a two year starting offensive and defensive tackle for coach Chuck Mizerski at Lincoln Southeast, helping the Knights to a 25-1 record and class A state championships in 1997 and 1998. Loos had 67 tackles on defense as a senior, including 13 tackles for loss and 1 quarterback sack. He was a two-time Lincoln Journal Star Super-State honoree on the offensive line and captured All-Nebraska honors from the Omaha World Herald in 1997 and 1998.
Ticket Talk
This month's featured seating area is the Corral (the green section on map). These seats are located at field level and in the first balcony of the north end zone. Besides the regular perks that all season ticket holders receive, these fans, AKA the Corral Crazies, will also receive exclusive access to the Hall of Fame Hospitality Room in which they will enjoy free food and a private cash bar. The Corral Crazies will also receive party beads and noisemakers for every game! These fans even get t-shirts!
These seats are going fast. Call Kim for availability 346-BEEF!
Check-out the complete list of Season Ticket Holder Perks at http://www.beeffootball.com/tickets/.
Beef in the Community
Coach Fuller will be playing Game Show Friday on the Morning Brew with Mookie and Michelle on 96.1FM starting around 8am. Fans are encouraged to call 558-BREW to take Coach on for the chance to win tickets and other prizes.
Grandma Fosters BBQ is throwing an indoor tailgating party this Saturday at Whole Foods on Regency Parkway just south of Dodge. Beef players and Prime Dancers will be on hand for pictures and autographs from 2 until 4pm.
Watch the Super Bowl with the Omaha Prime Dancers at Murphy's Lounge on 96th & L Streets. There's NO COVER and FREE Bud Light during the first half and FREE food during half time. The first 150 customers will receive free Bud Light t-shirts. Doors open at 3pm and the game begins at 5pm.
The Beef will be taking their talent to the hoop next month in our annual Hope Center Basketball Game. On February 7th the Beef will take on the Varsity boys basketball team. All proceeds benefit the Hope Center for Kids.
The Hope Center is a non-profit organization that serves as a safe-haven for inner-city children. The vision of the center is to raise a generation with purity, passion and promise and to provide a place of refuge, education, recreation and teaching of daily living skills to over 500 youth and children in the north Omaha area.
Watch for the Beef Booth at the Home Expo the weekend of February 9-12.
The first ever "Celebrate Volunteerism" Fair will be at Westroads Mall on February 11 from 10 am til 4 pm. Coach Fuller is among the local personalities who will read books to young mall visitors. Other guest readers include: Nebraska Congressman Tom Osborne, Nebraska Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy, Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey, and many more!
Beef players and Prime dancers help 'Kidz Explore' at the fun-filled, family-oriented, two-day event taking place at the Mid America Center on February 11 & 12. The Beef will be on hand to help find the hazards in the new, fun, and interactive Safety Club House.
As a proud sponsor of the Outland Trophy Award Dinner, we congratulate Greg Eslinger from the University of Minnesota for being awarded the Outland Trophy, an honor that is given annually by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) to college football's top interior lineman. Also honored that night were: Ron Yary, the '67 Outland winner; Cory Ross with the Novak Trophy; Sam Koch with the Chamberlin Trophy; Titus Adam with the Cletus Fischer Native Son Award; and the Omaha World-Herald's All-Nebraska High School Football team.
Cattle Call
Our first Invite-Only player tryout is right around the corner. Players from all over the country are expected to bring their A-Game to Omaha on February 4th and 5th for their shot at wearing Beef orange and black. The public is encouraged to come to the Center Sports Complex on 144th & Giles. The action begins at 6 pm on Saturday and 10 am on Sunday.
"Our Invite-Only tryout is going to be extremely competitive," stated Head Coach Robert Fuller. "We are thrilled to have 45 to 50 outstanding athletes that will be in Omaha working out for us". Coach Fuller and new Assistant Head Coach James Kerwin have been hot on the recruiting trail and will look to sign numerous players from this workout. "For a lot of the athletes in attendance this will be the last test to pass before we offer them a contract and a spot in our training camp," stated Fuller. "We want to be able to spend time with prospects, evaluate them athletically, and get to know them personally". The Beef coaching staff expects to have several players recently released from five different AFL teams in attendance.
The second round of Prime Dancer tryouts will be held on February 18-19. Dancers should call 346-BEEF for more information.
The Omaha Beef will be hosting Rump Roaster tryouts on February 8 and 9. We are looking to make their seventh season, their best season by added more fun-loving, energetic guys who aren't afraid to be in front of a crowd! If you think you could lead our fans in supporting our team give us a call at 346-BEEF for all the details.
This season we will introduce a new addition to the Beef family, our Ball Babes. These ladies will be on the field throughout the game assisting the officials in addition to promoting the team throughout the community. Ball Babe tryouts will have four preliminary rounds starting at Nico on February 16. The ladies who qualify will be called back on March 16 for the finals. For more information about Ball Babe tryouts call 346-BEEF.
United Indoor Football Association Stories from January 26, 2006
- Beef update - Omaha Beef
- FinHeads to Support BlueCats in 2006 - Evansville BlueCats
- Terrance Bryant to Lead Storm Offense Again in 2006 - Sioux Falls Storm
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.
