Destroyers waive two

Published on January 15, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


COLUMBUS, OH – The Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football League waived two players Saturday, including quarterback Ryan Vena and kicker Tim Seder.

"We came to the decision to let Ryan go based on the fact that as a staff we felt it was in the best interest of our football team," said Head Coach and General Manager Chris Spielman. "Sometimes these decisions are hard to make, however we are confident in the decision that was made. With one week of training camp still remaining for most teams in the league, we felt the timing was right to give Ryan an opportunity to move on to another team."

Vena joined the Destroyers as a rookie free agent last season, starting 14 games during the club's inaugural season. He finished the season having completed 238-of-375 passes for 3,076 yards and 57 touchdowns, while also rushing for 229 yards and 14 touchdowns. Vena's departure leaves three quarterbacks currently on the Destroyers' roster heading into the season; Chad Salisbury, Matt D'Orazio and Scott McMullen.

"As a staff we have been pleased with the play of Chad Salisbury and the development of Matt D'Orazio," continued Spielman. "Though we are losing a starter in Ryan, we are gaining a starter in Chad. He's a quarterback that has experience in this league and he's a guy that has led a team to the playoffs during his career. Matt has had an outstanding camp and has dedicated himself not only in training camp, but also throughout the entire offseason to become a better quarterback. I'm not a platoon-system guy. In my mind, one quarterback has to know that he has the job so he can perform on the field without looking over his shoulder."

"Chad has really turned it up in the last couple days of camp, really from our scrimmage in Grand Rapids on," explained Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Pete Costanza. "He's played well, settled in to the offense and is starting to become comfortable with his role as a leader of this football team."

AFL teams are permitted to bring 37 players into camp; however rosters must be cut to 24 by Monday, January 24, 2005.

The Columbus Destroyers open the 2005 season on Friday, January 28 when the club hosts the expansion Nashville Kats at Nationwide Arena. Kickoff is slated for 7PM. Season tickets are available now starting as low as $99 for eight regular season games plus one home playoff game.

Individual game tickets are currently available and may be purchased at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office, at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, online at ticketmaster.com or by phone at (614) 431-3600. Tickets are also available at the Blue Jackets Zones located at Chiller Dublin, Chiller Easton and Chiller North. All tickets are subject to service charges and facility fees. For a season schedule and further information on reserving season tickets visit www.ColumbusDestroyers.com or call (614) 246-HITS.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 15, 2005


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