Bentley and Staff To Return For 2003
August 30, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Buffalo Destroyers News Release
(BUFFALO, NY) â The Buffalo Destroyers announced today that head coach and general manager Ray Bentley and assistant coaches Rudy Klawiter, Weylan Harding, Ryan Gallo and head athletic trainer Ray Harland have extended their contracts through the 2003 season.
"I am extremely excited to have this group back together for the upcoming season," said Bentley. "I want to thank our owner Mark Hamister for his continued commitment and his belief that we can get this done. With training camp starting in January, we have a lot of work to do."
After taking over the Destroyers midway through the 2000 season, Bentley turned around a team that had started 1-17 and has guided Buffalo to the playoffs in two of his three seasons.
Klawiter returns as the team's Director of Player Personnel and Fullbacks/Linebackers coach. He served as the team's director of self-scouting since 2000. Klawiter was instrumental in bringing one of the league's most exciting players, Lamont Cooper, to Buffalo last winter.
Harding, a former Arena Football League defensive specialist, returns as Defensive Coordinator and Secondary Coach. Harding served as Defensive Coordinator in 2002 where his defense finished sixth in the AFL in rushing defense and red zone defense.
Gallo was elevated to Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator. Gallo served as Wide Receivers Coach last season and assisted Bentley in calling the offensive plays. He was the Offensive Coordinator for Buffalo State College in 2001 and has coached high school football in Western New York for the last seven years.
Harland has served as Buffalo's head athletic trainer for the last three years. Harland has been a certified athletic trainer for 14 years and is a member of NATA, NYSATA and AFLATA.
Buffalo will add an offensive/defensive line coach at a later date.
The Buffalo Destroyers return to the HSBC Arena in February 2003. Secure your Destroyers tickets now, call 881-4444 today! February will also mark the beginning of the AFL's historic agreement with NBC Sports. Over 71 arena football games will be seen on NBC in 2003.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from August 30, 2002
- Bentley and Staff To Return For 2003 - Buffalo Destroyers
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