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Coyotes First Tryout for the 2008 Season a "Success"

November 20, 2007 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Central Valley Coyotes News Release


Hopeful athletes from all over the country came to Fresno Saturday to take part in the first open tryout for the Central Valley Coyotes' 2008 season.

The athletes went through several tests of speed, strength, and agility at the Velocity Sports Complex, thanks to Velocity owner Bill Costa. After the tests were complete, the athletes went across the street to Hoover High School and were sent through a series of position drills led by the Coyotes coaching staff.

"We had some quality guys out here to day," said Assistant General Manager Bryan Whitmore. "All the way around, the tryout was a success."

The high caliber athletes competing for a spot on the 2008 Coyotes roster ranged in experience and age. Their common thread was their excitement about the opportunity to wear a Coyote helmet.

"It's good to be out here and I'm just excited to throw the ball around in the Central Valley," said former Cincinnati Jungle Cats quarterback Pat Josten. "Coach Biletnikoff is great and the weather is really nice."

In addition to Josten's af2 experience, he is also a former member of the Hamilton Tigers of the CFL, and the all-time leading passer of Div. III Chapman University. This past weekend, Josten became the latest player to be assigned to the Coyotes by the af2.

"Pat has some experience in the league so he has a comfortable grasp on the game," said Head Coach Fred Biletnikoff Jr. "We have different working conditions here in the Central Valley than Pat had last year, so I think his addition will be good for him and the Coyotes."

Josten was not the only notable athlete at Saturday's tryout. Former USC defensive back Christopher Bocage was also in attendance and posted the best times in the Pro Shuttle and the 3 Cone Drill.

"I started as a cornerback my freshman year at USC and was later moved to safety, so I have a solid understanding of man to man defense, as well as zone," Bocage said. "I am comfortable in all defensive situations."

The number of high quality athletes which turned out for Saturday's tryout is a testament to the Coyotes strong winning tradition.

"Because of our excellent ownership group, the Tachi Yokut Tribe, we don't have to use an open tryout as a fundraiser like most teams do," Biletnikoff said. "The assignment of Pat this weekend should justify that our open tryouts are used to legitimately evaluate talent; they aren't just cattle calls."

For ticket information or any other questions, please contact the Coyotes front office at (559) 263-9780 or at www.centralvalleycoyotes.com

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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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