Countdown 'til ignition: day six

Published on January 13, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Utah Blaze News Release


SALT LAKE CITY - An estimated crowd of 2,500 fans covered the Delta Center turf as they received autographs and met the 2006 Utah Blaze squad during Fanfest on Thursday.

"The turnout tonight is tremendous," said Blaze president JASON JONES. "Fans only got a taste of what is to come. Our games are not only fan-friendly, but family-friendly."

The Blaze open the season on Saturday, January 28 at HP Pavilion at San Jose, when they travel to face the two-time champion San Jose SaberCats at 8:30 p.m. The SaberCats are coached by two-time Coach of the Year DARREN ARBET and areled by former Offensive Player of the Year, QB MARK GRIEB.

The Blaze first home game will be against the JERRY JONES-owned Dallas Desperados at the Delta Center on February 4 at 7 p.m.

HEY COACH!

Blaze head coach DANNY WHITE is currently in four Halls of Fame (Arizona Sports, Arizona State University, College Football and Arena Football). He has 13 years of experience in the AFL and owns two ArenaBowl titles (1994 and 1997), while not having a losing season since 1992. But, did you know that the assistant coaching staff has a combined total of 33 years of Arena Football experience?

Offensive/Defensive Line coach, FLINT FLEMING, played in six ArenaBowls and has three titles (1990, 1992 and 1997) during his 16 years in Arena Football. He was also named to the AFL's 15th Anniversary Team. Offensive coordinator and future AFL Hall of Famer, HUNKIE COOPER, is the AFL's all-time all-purpose yards leader (20,587), two-time Ironman of the Year (1999-2000) and AFL MVP (1993) during his 13 years in the AFL. Assistant Offensive/Defensive Line coach, LINDSAY HASSELL, played four years with the Oklahoma Wranglers (2000-01) and Arizona Rattlers (2002-03).

Despite being in his first season of coaching Arena Football, assistant head coach/defensive coordinator, LEE LESLIE, brings 21 years of coaching experience, including 14 championship titles and a year of coaching in the NIFL (Utah Warriors).

"I am honored to be a part of this staff," Leslie said. "I hope to soak in as much knowledge as I can from the best coaching staff in the AFL. Coach White's style of letting his coaches coach, allows us all to work very well together."

LOOKING AHEAD TO DAY 7

The Blaze will be at the Delta Center for both sessions on Friday. The first session will be from 10 a.m. until noon, while the second session will be from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 13, 2006


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