Desperados team up with VooDoo for joint tryout
August 1, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Dallas Desperados News Release
IRVING, Texas - The Dallas Desperados Arena Football team announced Monday that they will be adding an additional open tryout to their off-season schedule.
On Sunday, August 20, just one day prior to the preseason game featuring the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints in Shreveport, Louisiana, the Desperados coaches and scouts will join forces with their counterparts from the New Orleans VooDoo to host a tryout combine at the Independence Bowl.
"This tryout is an excellent opportunity for the Desperados and VooDoo to view the talent available in the Gulf Coast region - an area that in the past has proven to have quality athletes," said Desperados Head Coach Will McClay. "Both teams are looking to add competition for the 2007 season, and this is a great place for a player's ability to be recognized."
The VooDoo, owned by New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson, is returning to the Arena Football League after having to cancel their participation in the 2006 season due to the Hurricane Katrina tragedy. Before the natural disaster, the VooDoo finished the 2005 season with a 9-7 record.
"We are excited about returning to the League after suspending operations for a year," said VooDoo Head Coach Mike Neu. "This is our first step to returning for the 2007 season and running a tryout in conjunction with Dallas, who had the best record in the League last year, will be great. Shreveport attracts a lot of talent and we are looking forward to assessing their skill level on August 20th."
After finishing the 2006 season with a 14-4 record, the Dallas Desperados, who are owned and operated by Cowboys owner and general manger Jerry Jones, reign as the AFL Eastern Division Champions. The team landed just shy of ArenaBowl XX, after falling to the Orlando Predators in the National Conference Championship. Both teams are looking for players that can lead their team to an ArenaBowl XXI championship.
During the two-team tryout, all players will be evaluated in the 40-yard dash, 20-yard short shuttle and standing broad jump. Selected players will be invited to participate in an elite workout later in the day, where players will be evaluated in drills specific to the game of Arena Football.
The tryouts will begin at 7:30 a.m. on August 20 with registration for quarterbacks, wide receivers and defensive backs. Registration for offensive and defensive linemen, fullbacks and linebackers will begin at 9:30 a.m., while kickers will begin registering at 2:30 p.m.
All participants must register on-site. There is no pre-registration for the tryout at the Independence Bowl. Registration is $60 and is payable by cash or money order only. All registered participants will receive an official Dallas Desperados/New Orleans VooDoo tryout t-shirt.
All participants will need to provide their own workout attire: shoes, shorts and accessories. All workouts will take place at the Independence Bowl. The Dallas Desperados and New Orleans VooDoo are not responsible for travel or lodging expenses.
The Desperados will also hold open tryouts at Texas Stadium on Saturday, October 14. For more information visit www.dallasdesperados.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from August 1, 2006
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