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AFL I Cleveland Gladiators

Cleveland Gladiators Announce Training Camp

January 28, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Cleveland Gladiators News Release


CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Gladiators are pleased to announce that training camp for the 2008 season is set to open on Tuesday, February 5th, 2008 at the MultiPlex Events & Sports Center in Warrensville Heights, Ohio. The Gladiators season opener is Monday, March 3rd versus the New York Dragons at Quicken Loans Arena.

MultiPlex Events & Sports Center is located at 18909 S. Miles Rd, Warrensville Heights, Ohio, at the same location as The Word Church. Training camp will begin on Tuesday, February 5th and continue until Saturday, February 23rd. The schedule features 23 practice sessions, one inner squad scrimmage and two scrimmages against Arena Football League teams, all subject to change.

"We are looking forward to getting our players in town and the start of camp," Head Coach MIKE WILPOLT said. "With the new rule changes, we have many things to work on and look at before we open the season on March 3rd."

"I'm excited for the start of camp. All of our hard work in recruiting players and bringing in the right guys will finally pay off once we take the field," President and CEO BERNIE KOSAR said.

Teams are allowed up to 37 players for training camp rosters. Coach Wilpolt's roster is comprised of players acquired in free agency, the AFL's Dispersal Draft and former arenafootball2 players. Highlighting the roster is key free agent acquisition QB RAYMOND PHILYAW. The seven-year AFL veteran played with the Kansas City Brigade in 2007, finishing in the top in a variety of statistical categories.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Gladiators feature 2005 ADT Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Lineman of the Year DL SILAS DEMARY. Demary finished the 2005 season with 13.5 sacks, setting a new AFL record. The team also landed key free agent DL JOE MINUCCI in the AFL's Dispersal Draft. Minucci played for the Nashville Kats from 2005-07, recording 11.5 sacks in 39 career games.

COVERING THE GLADIATORS

Accredited media outlets wishing to cover practices are welcome to attend each practice. Please enter the MutliPlex entrance at the rear of the building and sign-in at the front desk. Signs throughout the facility will designate areas accessible to the media. Members of the Gladiators communications staff will be on hand to assist with any media inquiries. Please wear company media credentials in plain view while attending practice sessions.

During training camp, Coach Wilpolt and players will be available for interviews upon conclusion of the second practice as they exit the practice field. NO LOCKER ROOM ACCESS will be available during training camp. For any special media requests, please contact the Gladiators communications staff at 216.658.9000 x206.

The Cleveland Gladiators are set to kick off their inaugural Arena Football League season on Monday, March 3 versus the New York Dragons at Quicken Loans Arena. Season tickets start at $80 per season and can be purchased by calling (216) 685-9000. Let the Games Begin!

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