Conquest name Rick Buffington head coach

Published on May 10, 2004 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Albany Firebirds News Release


Albany, N.Y. May 10, 2004 – The Albany Conquest announced today (Monday) that Rick Buffington has been selected as new Head Coach replacing Interim Head Coach Dave Bochette, who will remain as Assistant Head Coach for the team.

"Dave Bochette did a great job Saturday night in leading the Conquest to a 52- 45 victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers and we are truly indebted to him," stated Conquest GM Robert Zeig. "Dave was our first choice to stay in the job, however he has many responsibilities at his job as athletic director of Lansingburgh High School. We are grateful that he will remain on the Conquest coaching staff. Bochette will now be an undefeated former head coach in af2."

"We have selected former Firebirds Head Coach Rick Buffington as the new Conquest Head Coach to lead our team for the rest of the 2004 season. Coach Buff has been following the Conquest this season as part of our announcing team on UPN Capital Region, News Channel 13 and on 104.5 The BUZZ. He is a natural choice as the new head coach. His analysis of the team and knowledge of the players has showed us that Coach Buff is the right choice," concluded Zeig.

"I am honored and excited to return to Albany as head coach of the Conquest," said Coach Buffington. "Some of my best years were spent at the Pepsi Arena coaching the Firebirds. I want to bring back the spirit of those glory days and help the Conquest move forward this season. Dave Bochette did a wonderful job in preparing the team as Head Coach this past week beating the previously undefeated Pioneers. I will work closely with him and the other Conquest assistant coaches to hopefully build on the positive momentum they created."

"The team finally came together this past week and I am pleased to have been able to help set the team in the right direction with Saturday's victory over the Pioneers. The players played hard, made few mistakes and our assistant coaches crafted a perfect game plan," stated Bochette. " I am pleased to work with Coach Buff and will continue to serve the team as Assistant Head Coach.

Buffington has a strong football resume, having become a part-time scout for the New York Jets in 1976 before joining the New England Patriots coaching staff from 1978-1981. With the Patriots he worked along side numerous notable coaches, including Bill Parcells. Buffington was the first head coach of the former Albany Firebirds, having served in that role from 1990 to 1993, leading the Firebirds to the playoffs in three out of four seasons. Buffington has also served as head coach for five other arena football teams. He was Head Coach and General Manager of the Connecticut Coyotes in 1995 and in 1996 he was Head Coach and Director of Football Operations for the Charlotte Rage, both of the Arena Football League. He also served as Head Coach and General Manger of former arenafootball2 team, the New Haven Ninjas (2000) and Head Coach of the Florida Bobcats (1998).

Bochette was named Interim Head Coach last week when the Conquest and former Head Coach Steve Matthews parted ways.

The Albany Conquest plays the Louisville Fire at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 15 as they travel to Freedom Hall in Louisville, KY. On April 24, the Fire beat the Conquest 62-56 on a touchdown with three seconds remaining. The Conquest's next home game is against the Macon Knights on Saturday, May 22 at 7 p.m. at Pepsi Arena.

Albany Conquest fans can purchase tickets, including a new "Pick 4 Ticket Package with Bon Jovi," at the Pepsi Arena box office, by visiting www.albanyconquest.com or by calling 518-487-2081 or 518-487-2085. In addition, individual game tickets can be purchased through TicketMaster by calling 518-476-1000. The Pick 4 Ticket Package offers fans the ability to select four of the Conquest's remaining five home games, including the July 23rd game featuring a special one-hour performance by Bon Jovi.

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