Enraged Bull is off and running
February 27, 2006 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
RiverCity Rage News Release
Some unfinished business from 2005 took it's agenda on Sunday as the RiverCity Rage of the National Indoor Football League began practice for the team's inaugural season at Savvis Center. Rage Head Football Coach Mike Wyatt and his staff greeted 36 players who showed up in mid-season form ready to make up for the upset loss last year to the Cincinnati Marshals in the opening round of the 2005 NIFL Playoffs. "Don't stop running until that whistle's blown" "Way too deep on that seven route" "Let's go; next group"
And at one point, seeing something he didn't like, Wyatt jumped out of his seat on the sidelines, and bellowed out the message loud and clear: "The championship begins TODAY!"
Loud, clear, and to each man hoping to make the 22 player game day roster; understood. Rage returning quarterback Clay Groefsema summed it up. "I've relived every bad play from that loss last year, gone over it in my mind again and again. Maybe I was a bit hard on myself, but I knew I had to be back this season. I couldn't end my career that way, and even though I could have played AFL2 locally in my hometown (Fresno) I wanted to be part of this great program, especially this year at Savvis Center. This season for all of us is motivation plus."
The Rage begin the quest for the NIFL Title in Houston on March 18th, taking on the newly expanded Katy Copperheads, before returning for the Home Opener at Savvis Center on Sunday, March 26th. Rage Majority owners Tye Elliott and Scott Wilson see the potential in this year's program. "We're coming off a successful season, and with the spirit and talent being shown today, I'm satisfied we have upgraded ourselves to meet the fan's expectations. We've improved in every facet of our game." stated Elliott. Wilson agrees, saying "the skill level of our returning players is excellent. You can tell just by watching today each one has stepped up his game, and with the new guys competing for a roster spot, we're overall in a much better position than last year."
Rage All-Star wide receiver Scott Pingle has decided to retire, and while Wyatt is disappointed, he's also optimistic about his team's offensive ability in 2006. "You don't lose a player like Scott and not feel it as a football team, but we are more than stacked at the wide receiver position. The talent level is high, so much so that quality players will be competing for spots on the game day roster. So while Scott will be missed, his leadership on the field may be the aspect most absent."
Team Physician Dr. Gene Bell ran physicals on the players last week and says all came in to camp "in great shape, Ram's shape. I noticed from the charts some of the guys dropped or gained weight in response to their individual needs and quite a few began their off-season training a day or two after our playoff loss. I'd say we're ready to ride to a title."
Most of the 2005 Atlantic East Division Championship roster will return this season, with a number of new additions on board to take this team to the top of the NIFL. An overall team preview and pre- season analysis will be forthcoming, but if the sharp passes, the precision runs and blocks, the upbeat attitude, and the focus of Sunday's initial practice is any indication of how this football team will fare in 2006, The RiverCity Rage will snort and buck it's way to the top of the National Indoor Football League.
The Rage is part of the 24 team NIFL, set to begin it's 6th season of play in March of 2006. Tickets for all RiverCity Rage home games at Savvis Center can be purchased at the Savvis Center box office or on line at Ticketmaster.com.
• Discuss this story on the National Indoor Football League message board...
National Indoor Football League Stories from February 27, 2006
- Training Camp Brings Out the Best - Texas Copperheads
- Enraged Bull is off and running - RiverCity Rage
- Flying Aces Add 12 Players - Rapid City Flying Aces
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.
