Former Buckeye Quarterback Steve Bellisari To Replace Kyle Rowley
May 2, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Manchester Wolves News Release
The Manchester Wolves arenafootball2 team announced today that they have been assigned former Ohio State Buckeye quarterback Steve Bellisari.
Bellisari (6'1", 222) a former co-captain and four-year letter earner who played both quarterback and safety for the Buckeyes, comes to the Wolves' after a stint in the AFL with the Kansas City Brigade as former Wolves' signal caller Chris Sanders' backup.
Prior to joining the Brigade, Bellisari played one season of indoor football in Dayton , OH, in 2005, where he led his team to a 7-4 record. Bellisari completed 51.9 percent of his passes for 1,798 yards and 38 touchdowns, while rushing for 637 yards and 17 touchdowns.
"Steve has a tremendous amount of potential," said Wolves Head Coach Ben Bennett. "We're looking for someone to solidify a position that has been very dicey for us thus far this season."
The Boca Raton, Fla. native, who was drafted by the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League in 2002, started 32 of the 35 games he played in as quarterback for the Buckeyes (1998-2001), compiling 5,878 yards for 35 touchdowns, while rushing for 825 yards and five touchdowns. In 14 games as a defensive safety during the 1998 and 1999 seasons Bellisari collected 24 tackles, one interception and one blocked kick.
The left-handed gunslinger is known for his tremendous athletic ability and physical toughness that he brings onto the field. Bellisari's 6,496 yards in total offense rank third in Ohio State school history behind Bobby Hoying (7,151, 1992-95) and Art Schlichter (8,850, 1978-81). His 5,878 aerial yards rank sixth on the Buckeyes' career-record list.
Bellisari will replace quarterback Kyle Rowley on the Wolves' roster and will now compete with D. Bryant for the starting quarterback job. Rowley, who started three games for the Wolves' as quarterback but played in all four, threw for 555 yards 14 touchdowns and four interceptions.
"Kyle ran hot and cold for us, and I need consistency," said Bennett on why Rowley was traded to the Bossier-Shreveport Battlewings for future considerations.
The Wolves will take on the defending Arena Cup champion Memphis Xplorers (4-1) at the DeSoto Civic Center in Southhaven, MS this Saturday at 8:00p.m. Wolves' fans can listen to Dick Lutsk broadcast all the action live on WFEA 1370am!!!
Don't miss another exciting action-packed season of Manchester Wolves football in 2006! For information on tickets, fans can contact the Wolves at 603.627.WOLF (9653) or visit them on the web at www.manchesterwolves.com.
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