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Countdown 'til ignition: Day 2

January 7, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Utah Blaze News Release


SALT LAKE CITY - "Why are there no logos on the players' helmets?" That was a question posed by one bystander during the Utah Blaze's second day of practice at the Spence Eccles Field House (SEFH) on Saturday.

"It is a ‘right of passage' for this organization," Blaze head coach/general manager DANNY WHITE said when asked about the blank helmets. "Those logos are earned. When you make the team, the flaming "B" will be placed on your helmet - but not a day sooner."

It's a tradition that can be traced back to his days with the Dallas Cowboys when you needed to earn your "star". Regardless of the motivating method, one thing is for sure, it reinforces two of the AFL Hall of Fame coach's main points for training camp - character and discipline.

"You don't have to ask the guys who are fighting for a job how special that logo truly is," White said. "There will only be 24 happy guys on January 23."

VETERANS LEAD THE WAY

Blaze coaching staff will be leaning on the veterans to help shape the foundation of the expansion franchise. One of those key leaders will be fifth-year veteran WR/DB ORSHAWANTE BRYANT.

"This is the best group that I have been around in my professional career," the three-time ArenaBowl participant said. "Everybody from the front office staff to the players - it has been a great experience."

PUTTING IT UP

The Blaze players went to Xcel Fitness, the team's official workout facility, after practice to get tested for the bench press. Players were asked to see how many times they can lift 225 pounds of weight. Leading the way was third-year veteran lineman HANS OLSEN with a total of 36. Five players were able to lift the weight at least 30 times.

"This has been a great experience," said Olsen, who is emerging as one of the team's leaders. "(Lifting) is great for bonding and building team chemistry."

Olsen also noted that the ownership's support has been a key component to establishing a solid foundation.

"The Garffs have been first class with respect to how they are building this team and the way that the players have been treated," Olsen said. "Nobody wants to let them down."

HELLO, MR. PRESIDENT!

Blaze president JASON JONES and his daughter, MADELINE JONES, were on the sidelines taking in the action on Saturday.

"I like the way we are coming together," Jones said. "Just being here and watching the coaching staff run practice gets me pumped up. Danny (White) and his staff bring a level of professionalism that instills pride on all levels of this organization."

LOOKING AHEAD TO DAY 3

The players will be off on Sunday, but will at SEFH on Monday from 10 a.m. until noon and will be at the Delta Center for the second session from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. The first session is open to the public, while the second session will be open to the media only.

DON'T MISS OUT!

The Blaze anticipate tickets for the home opener against the Dallas Desperados and the February 11 game against the New York Dragons to sell fast. Blaze Director of Ticket Operations, JERRY MC BURNEY, encourages all fans to purchase tickets as soon as possible in order to get the best seats for these games.

Single-game tickets for all eight home games are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.utahblaze.com, the Delta Center box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (801) 325-SEAT or at all Ticketmaster outlets.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 7, 2006


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.

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