Destroyers to hold kickers only open workout November 11

Published on October 28, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


COLUMBUS, OH – As preparations continue for the 2005 Arena Football League season, the Columbus Destroyers have scheduled an open-kicker tryout to be held at Nationwide Arena on Thursday, November 11, General Manager and Head Coach Chris Spielman announced today. The day will consist of two sessions with the first running from 9am-12pm and the second running from 1pm-4pm. Registration begins at 8am at the security entrance on the event level of Nationwide Arena.

"This workout is a great opportunity for us to evaluate some talented kickers who may not have been afforded the opportunity to continue their football careers," said Spielman. "Kicking and special teams play is vital in the Arena Football League and as a staff we have a vested interest in taking a close look at every kicker that comes to this camp."

All Destroyers kicker candidates should come dressed in non-contact football attire and are encouraged to wear the appropriate shoes for kicking on turf. Each player will be provided ample opportunity to display their kicking ability through multiple extra point attempts, field goal attempts from varying distances and kickoffs, both standard and on-sides.

Each kicker will be competing against other participants as the day progresses with the last kicker standing receiving an invitation to attend the Columbus Destroyers 2005 training camp which will commence in early January. Based on the performance of each individual kicker, multiple "cuts" will be made until only a select few kickers remain. During the afternoon session, kickers will continue to be tested until the final kicker is selected at the conclusion of the workout.

Many players have made their way into professional football through open tryouts including former AFL Kicker of the Year Mike Black. Black, who got his start after a successful open tryout, spent 12 years in the AFL and is one of the league's all-time leading kickers.

"The Destroyers open tryout for kickers is a great opportunity for any kicker that really wants to make it in the AFL," said Black. "In 1993 I beat out 40 other kickers at an open tryout for the Charlotte Rage, which opened up the door for my 12-year career as an AFL kicker. I was on the top of my game and had the best workout of my life to that point. This is a legitimate chance for any aspiring kicker, but they must be ready to compete when the time comes."

Cost for the tryout is $50 per person by pre-registering online at www.ColumbusDestroyers.com. All Pre-registration forms must be faxed to Ron Selesky at (614) 246-3538 or dropped off at the Destroyers' front office in Nationwide Arena by 5 p.m. on Monday, November 8. Any pre-registration forms received after November 8 will not be accepted. Prospective kickers may also register on the day of the tryout at Nationwide Arena at $50 per person. For more information, please call (614) 246-3535.

Auditions for the BOMBSHELLS, the Destroyers' official dance team will begin on Tuesday, November 2 at Nationwide Arena. For more information, visit www.ColumbusDestroyers.com. The Destroyers, in conjunction with Nike, will unveil a new logo for the 2005 season held at Nationwide Arena on Tuesday, November 9. Columbus Destroyers season tickets for the 2005 season are now available by calling (614) 246-HITS or by visiting www.ColumbusDestroyers.com.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 28, 2004


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