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Displaced Elpheage returns to Tampa in wake of Katrina

September 14, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - Tampa Bay Storm Wide Receiver/Defensive Back Lynaris Elpheage has been displaced out of his home in the New Orleans area following the horrific aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and has relocated to Tampa with help from the Storm and its' staff. Elpheage and his family are now residing in a six-bedroom home in Temple Terrace.

"My house is completely under water," Elpheage said. "I'm not sure what will happen in the end, but I'm happy to be back in Tampa with the help of the Storm. We've lost it all in New Orleans and I can't wait to get back on the field and move on with my life."

Elpheage was born and raised in New Orleans where he attended George Washington Carver High School and attended Tulane University where he played football for three years.

Elpheage was the only one of his family, which consists of his mother, father, son and girlfriend, left behind in New Orleans after the evacuation of New Orleans before Katrina made landfall. The rest of his family retreated to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to ride out the storm.

In the wake of the natural disaster he was sent to the Superdome where he stayed under perilous conditions. Elpheage eventually caught a ride with a friend to the Astrodome in Houston. He spent two nights in the Astrodome before securing another ride to Baton Rouge to reunite with his family.

The Tampa Bay Storm has since played an instrumental role in the relocation of Elpheage and his family. Head Coach Tim Marcum paid for Elpheage's flight to Tampa from Lafayette, LA.

"What has happened in the Gulf States has been absolutely terrifying," Marcum said. "When we learned that a member of the Tampa Bay Storm family had been directly effected and was without a home I knew we had to do something."

The Storm's Football Operations Assistant Chrissy Deeb found a house for Elpheage and his family with help from www.hurricanehousing.org, a website created in the effort to help relocate refugees from the disaster. Hosts cannot charge rent and all offers shall be for free for a disclosed amount of time.

Nick Hall of Temple Terrace opened his six-bedroom property to Elpheage and 10 of his family members. In addition, Hall is also bringing food provided by Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel and Brighthouse Networks is providing the house with free cable.

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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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