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Fan-Favorite Hawkins Returns, Tony Wells Joins Coaching Staff

April 19, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


Hawkins will wear jersey number 90 (OL/DL Bryan Gabourel switches to number 94) and is expected to make his season debut tonight (7:00 p.m.) for the Lightning, who host the Central Valley Coyotes from Stockton Arena.

Hawkins, 26, returns for his third season in a Lightning uniform after leadng the squad with four fumble recoveries, ranking second on the team with 5.5 sacks and 6.0 tackles for loss last season and amassing 16.0 tackles in 14 games. Hawkins, who had a stint in AFL preseason camps after a productive 2006 rookie season with the Lighnting had 17.5 tackles in 14 games for 2006, while ranking second on the team with five sacks and three quarterback hurries. Hawkins chipped in on the offensive end with five rushing carries and three rushing touchdowns.

The Tracy, California native has also spent time with the San Jose Sabercats practice squads of the Arena Football League, following four seasons of college football (2000-03) at Fresno State University (NCAA), where he earned a scholarship during his time at the school after walking on to the team as a freshman.

The 6-foot, 298-pound FB/LB was also honored with the "Bulldog Award" while at Fresno State while setting a career high 33 tackles during his junior season in 2002 and playing in all 14 games for the Bulldogs. He also helped guide the Bulldogs to four Silicon Valley Football Classic appearances in all four playing seasons, capping off his college career with a 17-9 Fresno State victory over UCLA in the 2003 game, collecting two tackles. Hawkins was a four-year letterman and three-time team MVP while playing football at Tracy High.

INDOOR WAR-SAVVY TONY WELLS JOINS LIGHTNING COACHING STAFF

Tony Wells joins the Lighnting as Assistant Coach, beginning his tenure on a volunteer basis, after spending the 2007 season as Head Coach for the expansion Tri-Cities Fever, guiding the team to a first round berth in the ArenaCup Playoffs last season. Wells also served as Head Coach for the af2fs Everett Hawks in 2006, taking over an 0-7 Hawks team in the 2006 season and helped the club finish 4-6 in its final 10 games.

Wellfs attended Kent State University where he received a degree in communications and continued his football career at Kent State under the direction of Glenn Mason, who helped him to receive a first team all-conference honorable mention and later garnering All-American honors.

Wells is an eight year veteran of the Arena Football League where he had stints with the Florida Bobcats, Miami Hooters, and the Cleveland Thunderbolts. He played from 1991 to 1999 as a 6f2, 220 pound, wide receiver / defensive back.

His coaching career immediately succeeded his playing career and includes af2 Offensive Coordinator positions with the Wilkes-Barre Pioneers (13-3), the Charleston Swamp-foxes (9-7), and the Pensacola Barracudas. Wells continued his success upon receiving the head coaching job with the Cincinnati Marshals. Wells took over at mid-season and lead the Marshals, who were 4-4, into the Atlantic Division championship game, ending the season at 10-6.

Additionally, the Lightning announced the following roster moves:

œ LB Brent Haberly - Assigned to Lightning and placed on gRefused to Reporth œ QB Jonathan Grant - Acquired from the Manchester Wolves in exchange for future considerations and placed on gRefused to Reporth

The Lightning return to play tonight for a week 4 matchup against Central Valley, starting at 7:00 p.m. from Stockton Arena. The game be heard and viewed, free-of-charge, online through www.stocktonlightning.com (courtesy of NifTy Online TV).

Season tickets and individual tickets for the 2008 Lightning regular season are on sale now. For more information on season tickets, merchandise, or other information, please call the Lightning at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.stocktonlightning.com.



ECHL Stories from April 19, 2008


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