Buich to make first start close to home

Published on February 26, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


What a difference a week makes for Anthony Buich! Buich was on the Rampage's practice squad less than ten days ago and this Saturday he will be making his first AFL start in San Jose against the SaberCats - just 45 minutes away from his childhood home in Tiburon, California.

The quick turn of events started last Wednesday when Jeff Loots was placed on injured reserve with a right elbow injury. Buich was then signed to backup Robert Hall against Las Vegas. Grand Rapids would go on to trail 31-0 at halftime and Buich would take over for Hall and lead the Rampage down to their only two scores of the game.

"The past ten days have been pretty wild going from practice squad to starting QB," said Buich. "I'm familiar with Coach Cortese's offense and feel this is the best opportunity to get the start my first start against the best in the league. It's so exciting and eerie to play my first game in the AFL so close to home. My family will be there and am ready to go."

This game against San Jose might be his first in the AFL; however, over the last three seasons Buich has been one of the best QBs in the AFL's minor league (arenafootball2) with the Iowa Barnstormers, Tulsa Talons and Wichita Stealth. In those three seasons, he compiled 9,479 passing yards and 186 touchdowns - both the third most ever in af2 history. In 2002 under current Austin Wrangler head coach Skip Foster, Buich was first-team All-af2 after posting 64 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards passing. Last year, he was in Wichita with Cortese, where he again tossed for 64 scores and over 3,000 yards.

Close to fifty friends and family will be attendance this Saturday night to cheer on the former St. Ignatius High and College of San Mateo quarterback.

In addition to naming Buich the starting QB, the Rampage announced the signing of quarterback Brent Petrus who was the backup in New York the past two seasons behind AFL legend Aaron Garcia. Also, former Ottawa Hills High standout Jeremy Dutcher and fullback/linebacker Brian Goolsby were signed to the active roster off the practice squad.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 26, 2004


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