Erie Explosion Open Tryout Q&A

Published on October 18, 2011 under Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL)
Erie Explosion News Release


Erie, PA - The Erie Explosion will host their first open tryout for the 2012 season on Sunday October 30th 2011 at 9:00am on the campus of Edinboro University. The Explosion are coming off of a very successful 2011 campaign which saw them finish with a 9-3 record and the Northeast Division Championship . The 2012 campaign will be the first season for Erie in the rapidly expanding Ultimate Indoor Football League, and will bring many exciting challenges for the franchise. The Explosion will welcome the return of veteran Head Coach Shawn Liotta who is entering his sixth season as a Head Coach at the professional indoor level, and a 68% win percentage during his tenure in Erie. Coach Liotta took a few minutes to discuss the upcoming open tryout.

What are your goals for the 2012 UIFL season?

Our number one goal is to bring a League Championship to the great city of Erie. We will begin that process by bringing dynamic athletes who will also be tremendous ambassadors of professional indoor football in the community. It is a goal to recruit high character players into our organization that understand the importance of being a part of the community and involving our fanbase as we make our push towards a playoff spot, division championship, and ultimately a league title.

Tell us about the Open Tryout on October 30th

We hope to have some outstanding local and national talent at our workout. Our goal is to bring the best possible 40 players that we can to training camp in February, and I hope to have as many local products in that group as possible. We have received a tremendous amount of interest in our franchise from all over the country, but I have waited to actively begin offering contracts until after our open tryout. I want to give as many local players as possible the opportunity to earn a spot on our training camp roster. In my five years of doing these we have always signed some outstanding talent at our open tryouts, and have been fortunate to discover some true "diamonds in the rough".

What can a player expect at an Erie Explosion Open Tryout?

This workout will be an excellent opportunity for a player to prove they can play at the professional indoor level. They will take part in a professionally run combine style tryout where they will be tested in measurables (40 yard dash, Pro Agility) as well as football position specific skills. Our coaching staff operates the tryout so each player will have an opportunity to be evaluated by our staff, and we will offer contracts to deserving players immediately after the workout. Each participant will also receive an Erie Explosion combine T-shirt and we try to provide feedback on what each athlete needs to improve to compete at this level.

Why has Erie become a destination for some of the Top Talent in Indoor Football?

First and foremost we are very fortunate to have solid ownership who ensure that all of the needs of our players and coaches are taken care of during the season. Our coaching and scouting staff do an excellent job of recruiting and identifying top level talent, and we have an excellent track record of our players advancing to the next level. We do everything in our power to assist our players in the advancement of their careers and following the 2011 season five of our players were offered Arena Football League Contracts. Most recently Quarterback Adam DiMichele with the Philadelphia Soul, and Offensive Lineman Joe Blanks with the Pittsburgh Power. Players know if they come to Erie they will be placed in a system that will enable them to have success. In 2011 we had the 2011 SIFL League MVP and the 2011 Offensive MVP, as we averaged over 70 points per game. We have led our league in passing and total offense over the last several years, and we led all of indoor football in passing yardage during the 2010 season. Over the past five seasons I have had three different quarterbacks earn first team all-league honors. I think when players see that track record that we have especially on the offensive side of the football, they realize that this is a place they want to be. We also have the opportunity to play in-front of the greatest group of fans in all of professional indoor football. It is really a blessing to have such a loyal, supportive, and loud group of fans to cheer us to victory each week.

The Erie Explosion will host an open tryout on Sunday October 30th 2011 from 9:00am-Noon at Edinboro University's Zafirovski Sports and Recreation Center Dome. Registration begins at 8:30am and the registration fee is $55.00 and each participant will receive an Erie Explosion T-shirt. Interested players may contact Coach Liotta at Sliotta@erieexplosion.com for more information. For more information on the Erie Explosion and the Ultimate Indoor Football league visit www.erieexplosion.com

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