Flight Tracker With Lineman Dalonte Smith
December 14, 2010 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Reno Barons News Release
RENO, NV - The Reno Barons franchise signed veteran indoor linemen Dalonte Smith and Archie Alexander late last month. Last season, both played for the AIFA's San Jose Wolves, now Stockton Wolves, which should be a huge rival this season. In this edition of Flight Tracker, you'll get to know Smith.
Smith lived in Long Beach and attended Poly High School where he ran track, then went on to Long Beach City College where he continued track and field. In 1996, he decided to turn to football, but didn't make the team. He eventually earned a scholarship to Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. After concluding his collegiate career, Smith decided to continue playing football for several semi-pro teams before starting his arena and indoor career. His experience in the arena and indoor game includes stints with the Georgia Force (AFL), South Georgia Wildcats (af2), San Angelo Stampede and Abilene Ruff Riders (IFL), Lincoln Capitals and Tri City Diesels (NIFL), and most recently the San Jose Wolves (AIFA).
In early November, Smith decided to see if an opportunity would present itself with the AIFA's newest franchise, the Reno Barons. "I called and spoke to Barons Assistant Head Coach Jarrod Rogol, then three weeks later called again and spoke with Barons General Manager, Tim Pierce, expressing my interest in playing with the Barons. I prayed about it then Mr. Pierce called me back," stated Smith. "He informed me that he had spoken to Coach Rogol and that Coach Rogol remembered seeing me play back with the Capitals as well as a few other teams and wanted to sign me to the training camp roster."
"I'm a role model for those that have been through rough hard times but still manage to stay strong and never give up," stated Smith. "If god gives you a talent use it no matter what. People are always going to say something but that doesn't mean that you have to believe them."
When asked what he is going to bring to the fans of Reno, Smith commented, "Hard hitting action and god willing a championship. All with a smile, that's why I've earned the name 'big truck' built ford tough."
Barons General Manager, Tim Pierce, shared the following comments, "All too often when young men are given adversity they falter. Dalonte has persevered through his faith and the wisdom he has taken in from a select few such as Marlin Briscoe, Tony Reed, Derek Hill, Reggie Redwine and Reggie Townsend, and fellow Barons signee Archie Alexander II. You have to respect and admire someone who has a 'Never Give Up Attitude;' we are expecting big things from Dalonte in training camp."
"One of my philosophies when it comes to players is that I want guys of high moral standards and guys that have had to fight through extreme levels of adversity," stated Rogol. "Smith exemplifies both of those and not only brings great character but also great skills to our franchise."
HARD HIT Dalonte appeared in the film Notorious, as well as two others, and is currently working on other projects.
The Reno Barons will play their 2011 home games at the Reno Events Center. Visit the Barons at www.renobarons.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/GoBarons and on Facebook by searching Reno Barons Fan Page.
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American Indoor Football Association Stories from December 14, 2010
- Flight Tracker With Lineman Dalonte Smith - Reno Barons
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