Bull sheet
October 19, 2006 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
RiverCity Rage News Release
From the Desk of Mike Wyatt, Head Football Coach and Director of Football Operations
What is the Bull Sheet?
It has been a while since we have produced the Bull Sheet so I will inform/re-inform our fans about the it. Basically, these are my random musings and ramblings about the Rage, indoor football and football, in general.
Back to the Future
The Rage has moved back to the Family Arena in Saint Charles for 2007. We will become the team in residence in that fine facility which will allow us to office, have locker room and storage space and even get a number of practices in at the facility which is virtually unheard of in indoor football.
In 2005 in the Family Arena, we were 8-0, while at the Savvis we were 7-3 with all three losses being razor close, losing in double overtime, overtime and on the last play of the game. 15-3 at home over the last two years is good, but give me that 8-0 in the Family Arena any day.
Back to the Future Part II
The Rage will be lining up against some familiar foes in 2007 when we open play in the United Indoor Football Association. The move will provide us with more regional competition which will help develop fan followings and regional rivalries and in fact, will just renew some we had already built.
We are joined in the move by the 2006 NIFL Champion Billings Outlaws, which should make for one of the most competitive leagues in indoor football in America.
Blue's Clues
Former Rage Defensive End Bruce Blue who was a NIFL All Star in 2005 has just signed a new contract with the Utah Blaze of the Arena Football League. From the Rage, Blue left in 2006 to play for the New York Dragons of the AFL, earning Ironman of the Week honors for the league during the season.
The Western New Mexico product looks to pull in about $2000 a week with incentives with the Utah team.
Sha-Ron Run Run
Rage running back Sha-Ron Edwards has been getting some looks from NFL teams such as the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. Both teams are considering bringing him in for a private workout.
Rage wide receiver Hurtis Chinn also has private workouts scheduled with Arena Football League teams in Chicago, Kansas City and Nashville.
Rage Coaches Finding Schoolboy Success
Rage assistant coaches Marc Wilson and Sven Hack have been instrumental in helping turn around the grid fortunes at CBC High School. The Cadets are currently 6-1 and have won the Metro Catholic Conference for the first time in a number of years. Former Rage star wide receiver, Scott Pingel is offensive coordinator at CBC and all work under the guidance of long-time coaching legend Bob Shannon.
A number of Rage players serve as high school assistant coaches, but none at more impressive a program than Columbia Rock Bridge High School where Rage QB Clay Groefsema and Lineman Seth Womack are coaching. Rock Bridge is currently 7-0 and ranked #1 in the state while USA Today ranks the Bruins as the #10 team in the midwest region of the USA.
It is also worth noting that we select a team of the week and players of the week each week and post their accomplishments on our web site at www.ragefootball.com. We also follow up with specially designed plaques for our honorees.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Have we lost all respect for our opponents or even, our fellow man, in general? Sometimes it looks that way.
Case in point, the stomping and kicking of Dallas Cowboys Center, Andre Gurode's unprotected face by Tennessee Titan's defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. Though the later got a 5 game suspension, costing him $200,000 or so, it still isn't enough.
Case in Point II, the brawl which broke out between U of Miami and Florida International players during their game last week that saw a number of players suspended, one of which was wielding his helmet in hand like a club while another Miami player stomped an opponent on the ground.
Case in Point III-Matt Leinart and another Arizona Cardinal tossing their helmets on the ground after losing on Monday Night Football to the Da Bears. No, it isn't as bad as the two cases mentioned before, but what kind of message are we sending those little league players who may have witnessed that?
Sure football is an emotional game and players and coaches, alike, can become frustrated, but those who are currently entrusted with the "game" have a responsibility to it; to respect it and in turn, our opponents in the process.
Not Even Turkey Day, But...
I know we haven't even had Thanksgiving yet, but I just wanted to remind you that Rage tickets and fan wear make great Christmas gifts. Why not get season tickets now to secure a great seat for next year's action?
Also, thru the rest of the month, all Rage merchandise is half price. You get twice as much for your money, if you buy now.
• Discuss this story on the United Indoor Football Association message board...
United Indoor Football Association Stories from October 19, 2006
- Bull sheet - RiverCity Rage
- Manus Signs with BlueCats For 2007 - Evansville BlueCats
- Raptors announce open tryouts - Rock River Raptors
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.
