Extreme's Walton named UIF's "Most Improved Player"
July 25, 2007 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Bloomington Extreme News Release
Bloomington Extreme wide receiver James Walton has come a long way since training camp four months ago.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Walton was on the verge of being cut by the Extreme coaching staff. Wednesday, he was named the Most Improved Player of the season in the United Indoor Football League.
"I'm surprised, but it's awesome," said Walton, who leads the UIF and Extreme with 21 touchdowns and a 13.2-yard per catch average. He has 70 receptions for 922 yards for a 61.5-yard per game, which ranks third in the league.
"The award is a pretty big deal because there were a lot of players who could have won it," added Walton, who played two games at Evansville last season and had six catches for 44 yards.
Extreme coach Ted Schmitz was happy to see Walton rewarded for his performances during the season.
"It's really a good story because in training camp he was fighting for a job to make the team," said Schmitz. "Now he's probably as productive a receiver as we have. It's been a pleasure to watch him develop and get better and better each game."
Walton knew he was in danger of not making the team in training camp.
"I was trying too hard to fit in because we had some really good players," said the Truman State graduate. "Some of the guys got a hold of me and told me to relax, slow down and just do my thing. I took advantage of the opportunity and ran with it."
Other awards announce by the UIF on Wednesday went to Rock River quarterback Ben Sankey (Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year); Sioux Falls linebacker Nate Fluit (Defensive Player of the Year); Rock River kicker Doug Daniel (Special Teams Player of the Year); RiverCity running back Muhammad Abdulquaadir (Offensive Rookie of the Year); Colorado's Ryan Palmer (Defensive Rookie of the Year) and Sioux Falls' Kurtiss Riggs (Coach of the Year).
United Indoor Football Association Stories from July 25, 2007
- Extreme's Walton named UIF's "Most Improved Player" - Bloomington Extreme
- UIF Newsletter - UIF
- Raptors' Sankey and Daniel Receive League Honors - Rock River Raptors
- UIF Announces Annual Awards - UIF
- UIF Playoffs opening round Players of the Week announced - UIF
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