Familiar Face Back in Rapid City
January 19, 2006 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Rapid City Flying Aces News Release
Rapid City, SD - The Rapid City Flying Aces of the NIFL have announced that running back Verna Owens has been signed by the team. Owens played in Rapid City for the "Dead Dogs", Oops, I mean Red Dogs in 2003. In 14 games, he scored 31 touchdowns to lead the team in overall points, with 186, he had more than twice as many as the next closest player. He was the team's top rusher, rushing 169 times for 680 yards and 27 touchdowns. He averaged over 46 yards per game rushing. As a receiver, he notched 4 touchdowns and 171 yards on 26 receptions. Owens followed Coach Maciejczak to Billings during 2004 season, where he stacked up similar type numbers as the season before. Last season, Owens again followed Maciejczak, this time to Everett, WA to play for the Everett Hawks. Owens helped the team earn a 14-0 record, and was the 4th leading rusher in the NIFL and 7th in the league in scoring. "Dan Maciejczak is one of the best coaches I've ever played for," said Owens. "He's a great coach, a great people person, and he has a passion in wanting to see Rapid City succeed because it's his hometown. I really missed Rapid City, but Coach Majic being the head coach had a lot to do with me coming back." Owens played his college ball at the University of Mary in North Dakota, where he was a 2 year starter after a stellar career at Modesto Junior College in California. Owens had 1,306 yds and 28 TD's on 290 carries as a senior, earning him All-Conference Honors as a senior and making him an Honorable Mention All-American. He ranks second in University of Mary's All-Time rushing list with 2,408 yds. Owens was also an All-American in track where he owns school records. He graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Behavior Science, with a minor in Native American Studies. Owens and his family reside in Modesto, CA in the off-season. The Flying Aces will host an open tryout camp on February 12th at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. The camp will run from 10:00am - 3:00pm. The cost is $50 per person, and includes a "Flying Aces Training Camp" t-shirt. For more information, contact the Flying Aces office at (605) 716-ACES (2237).
Season tickets for the Flying Aces upcoming season start at just $69.30, and are on sale now by contacting the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Box Office or by stopping by the Flying Aces office located on the corner of 7th Street & St. Joseph's. Extra Point: Get geared up for the 2006 Flying Aces season. The official retail store for the Rapid City Flying Aces will be opening soon. Flying Aces caps, short-sleeved shirts, long sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, and kids gear have been ordered and will be available to the public in the next couple of weeks. The store will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00am - 5:00pm.
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National Indoor Football League Stories from January 19, 2006
- Gunslingers Caught in the Crossfire-Will Forego Playing 2006 Season - Lubbock GunSlingers
- Familiar Face Back in Rapid City - Rapid City Flying Aces
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