Blitz Training Camp Underway

March 19, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


Bakersfield, CA - The Bakersfield Blitz of the af2 opened training camp yesterday at the Police Activities League (PAL) Recreation Center – the team's official practice facility. Of the 28 players on the current roster, 11 have played in Bakersfield in the past.

Head Coach Rick Van Horne, in his first season at the helm, brings back both quarterbacks from last season, with Chad Elliott and Jeff Dover. Eric Mehanke and LaCory Collins return at wide receiver/linebacker, Nathan Munson at wide receiver/defensive back, defensive specialist Delvin Myles, fullback/linebacker Nick Oniandia and linemen Phil Blackmon, James Heimuli and Kenny Williamson also return.

Local product Ismael Arrenaviz is on the roster as an offensive specialist. The standout wide receiver and track star at Foothill High School played WR the last two seasons at Bakersfield College. Other notable assignments include defensive specialist Kenny Haslip, who spent the last two seasons patrolling the defensive backfield for the rival San Diego Riptide. He led the af2 in tackles in 2003 and also finished second with 48 passes defended and fifth with four forced fumbles. He was a teammate of fellow Blitz DS Delvin Myles in the AFL with Los Angeles. The roster includes 19 players native to California, ranging from Los Angeles to Sacramento.

Daisuke Ueki, one of two Japanese-born players selected by the Blitz in the International Draft, is in camp as well. The other, Jun Nobuhara, is currently touring with a Japanese All-Star Team that has competition scheduled against several af2 clubs. Other nations represented include Tonga and Canada.

Tonight is the second on-field day of training camp, from 5:00 – 7:00pm. On both Saturday and Sunday, the squad will take the field twice, from 9:00 – 11:00am and from 3:00 – 5:00pm. The coaching staff is planning a scrimmage for the afternoon session on Saturday. Kickers are not scheduled to report until March 29th.

Kickoff for the Blitz season is just 20 days away, as they start on the road against Tennessee Valley on April 3rd. Season tickets for the Blitz upcoming season start at just $63, and are on sale now by contacting the Blitz office at 716-BLITZ (2548) or by stopping by the Bakersfield Sports Entertainment office located at Centennial Garden. The Blitz and Condors have also teamed up for special discounts for those purchasing ticket packages for both teams. All Condors season ticket holders that have renewed for 2004-05 can receive 25% off a Blitz package containing the same number of seats.



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