David Gaytan-Feregrino Named Gridiron Enterprises International Player Of The Year
August 9, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2) News Release
CHICAGO - Corpus Christi Sharks' WR/LB DAVID GAYTAN-FEREGRINO has been named the 2008 Gridiron Enterprises International Player of the Year, as selected by a vote of arenafootball2 head coaches and media members.
Gaytan-Feregrino, a second-year player and native of Mexico City, Mexico, saw action in 13 games for the Sharks in 2008 with three starts. His most significant contributions to the Sharks came as a jack linebacker where he ranked seventh on the squad in total tackles with 19 (13 solo, 12 asst). He added 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception and two pass breakups. He also made contributions to the team on the offensive side of the ball as well and even kicked in one game, converting 2-of-3 extra points.
Gaytan-Feregrino becomes the fifth recipient of the af2 International Player of the Year Award, joining past winners STEVE PANELLA (Amarillo - 2007) from Canada, ATNAS MAEKO (Stockton - 2006), originally from Mozambique, HENRIIK JUUL-NIELSEN (Green Bay - 2005), representing Denmark, and TAKUYA FURUTANI (Louisville - 2004) of Japan.
The af2 international development program was created in 2002. As the program continues to gain strength and as the league carries on its efforts to develop Arena Football around the world, the number of International players on af2 rosters has steadily increased through the years. The af2, which is best known for its reputation for developing players, coaches and executives, provides the perfect training ground for the ever-growing International pool of athletes looking to gain experience in football and advance their careers in the sport.
Gaytan-Feregrino was one of 47 International players signed by the af2 in 2008. This year's group was the largest on record and represented 15 countries. To put that in perspective, in 2004 the league had 15 International players from three countries and in 2003 af2 had 11 International players from two countries.
The 2008 af2 playoffs continue this weekend with the American and National Conference Semifinals this Saturday, August 9. On the American Conference side of the bracket, the No. 1 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers host the No. 4 Tennessee Valley Vipers at 7:30 p.m. ET and the No. 3 Green Bay Blizzard host the No. 7 Manchester Wolves at 8:30 p.m. ET. On the National Conference side, the No. 3 Bossier-Shreveport BattleWings host the No. 7 Amarillo Dusters at 8:00 p.m. ET and the No. 1 Spokane Shock host the No. 5 Central Valley Coyotes at 10:00 ET.
About Gridiron Enterprises
Gridiron Enterprises is the founding member of the Arena Football League. On March 27, 1990, Jim Foster was issued a United States patent for a football game system and method of play. That patent forms the basis for the unique football game played by teams in the Arena Football League and the af2. The af2 was conceived by Gridiron and proposed to the Arena Football League as an effective means to expand and market the excitement of the football/entertainment product. Gridiron has also been instrumental in the international development efforts of the sport of Arena Football. Working in conjunction with the AFL, Gridiron has helped put on 21 international exhibitions worldwide. In addition to its football enterprises, Gridiron provides sports entertainment and consulting services.
Remaining 2008 af2 Award Announcements:
Russell Athletic Lineman of the Year - Monday, Aug. 11
Spalding Rookie of the Year - Tuesday, Aug. 12
SFC Asst. Coach & Sportexe Head Coach of the Year - Wednesday, Aug. 13
Cutters Playmaker of the Year - Thursday, Aug. 14
ADT Defensive Player of the Year - Friday, Aug. 15
Schutt Offensive Player of the Year - Monday, Aug. 18
JLS Ironman of the Year - Tuesday, Aug. 19
• Discuss this story on the arenafootball2 message board...
arenafootball2 Stories from August 9, 2008
- Manchester Wolves Upset Green Bay 55-54 to advance to af2 American Conference Championship - Manchester Wolves
- BattleWings Fall to the Amarillo Dusters 59-45 - Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings
- David Gaytan-Feregrino Named Gridiron Enterprises International Player Of The Year - af2
- Ron Jaworski to be Honorary Captain at Tonight's Blizzard Game - Green Bay Blizzard
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.
