Flying Aces Catch Fever
May 13, 2006 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Rapid City Flying Aces News Release
Rapid City, SD - Just when you thought the Flying Aces team couldn't get any better, practice is expected be quite a bit more competitive for playoff push as the club announces the signing of two new receivers. Mike Rigell and Sonte Wong will come to Rapid City ready to play their former team as the Aces prepare to face the Defending NIFL Champions in a Mother's Day Bash at 3:05pm.
Mike Rigell, 5-7, 184, was an All-Star receiver and kick-returner with blazing speed last season for the Tri-Cities Fever, helping the team become the 2005 NIFL Champions. An Honorable Mention All-MAC Selection at BYU, Rigell spent the last the beginning of the season with the Everett Hawks in the AF2. In 2004, Rigell played for the Utah Warriors and was their go to receiver. Rigell and Aces Quarterback Albert Higgs had the opportunity to play together in last years NIFL All-Star Game, where the two connected for 5 catches and 61 yards.
Rigell's cousin, Sonte Wong is a mirror image duplicate in playing styles and ability. At 5'10, 180, Wong also earned a Championship ring last season with the Tri-Cities Fever, after he joined the team mid-season and helped drastically improve the team's record and offense. Wong originally signed in the AF2 this season with the Spokane Shock, but felt the NIFL style of play better suited his abilities and decided the Flying Aces give him the best chance of winning back-to-back Championship Rings. Wong began his professional playing career in Bismarck, ND with the Bismarck Roughriders in 2003, where he played with fellow Flying Ace teammates Stacy Edwards, Verna Owens, and Corey Roberson. In 2004, after the Roughriders went defunct, Wong took his game to Kearney, NE, where he played with another current Flying Ace player, Big Brett Wetton.
"We are fortunate to land two veteran kids this talented, this late in the season," said Head Coach Dan Maciejczak. "We landed them just in time, as we are preparing for some tough games ahead against Tri-Cities, Billings, and Casper. It was just coincidence that we where able to land them right before we played their former team, but it sure does add to the story line of the game." The team also announced that veteran receiver Jason Mitchell has left the team for personal reasons.
Kick-off for the Mother's Day Bash is this Sunday, May 14 at 3:05 pm, with the theme of the game, "Buy a Ticket, Bring Your Mother For FREE!" After all the drama surrounding the team the past couple of weeks, the team is hoping for a good turnout from the community, as the team continues to move forward from the "Howard Neal Saga," and continues to put a winning team on the field in which the City of Rapid City can call their own.
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National Indoor Football League Stories from May 13, 2006
- Flying Aces Catch Fever - Rapid City Flying Aces
- Commentary: NIFL daily buzz, afternoon edition - OSC Original by Jerry Hewitt
- New Owners Prepare for Second Half of Season - Arkansas Stars
- NIFL addresses state of the league - NIFL
- Commentary: NIFL daily buzz - OSC Original by Jerry Hewitt
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