Former Preds Ironman Wagner up for AFL Hall of Fame
June 20, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO - Former Orlando Predators WR/DB Barry Wagner was elected one of 10 finalists for the Arena Football League Hall of Fame Class of 2011 over the weekend by the AFL Hall of Fame Advisory Board.
Wagner is a six-time Ironman of the Year winner, all of which were won during his first six seasons in the AFL with with the Predators, where he played from 1992-99. He rejoined the organization for one final season in 2007. Wagner was also named AFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1995 and 1997.
Fans and current AFL Hall of Fame members will begin voting on the finalists beginning Monday, June 20. Votes will be collected by the Hall of Fame Operating Board of Directors. Coach Darren Arbet, OL/DL Sylvester Bembery, WR Eddie Brown, WR/LB Hunkie Cooper, OL/DL Sam Hernandez, OS George LaFrance, GM Gene Nudo, WR/LB Stevie Thomas and QB Kurt Warner round out the list of finalists.
"This is arguably the most decorated group of players, executives and coaches ever involved in the Arena Football League," AFL Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz said.
The AFL received ballots from the Hall of Fame Advisory Board on June 15. Each member selected ten candidates based on AFL contributions in the categories of players, coaches, administrators, officials and "at-large."
In order to be nominated, candidates must have met four criteria: If active before 1989, must have played two seasons. If active after 1989, three seasons of service required. Player must be retired three complete seasons. Coaches must have been active for a minimum five seasons and need not be retired.
Former Preds Coach and QB Jay Gruden (1998-2008) was inducted into the hall of fame in 1999 along with DS Durwood Roquemore (1991-96). WR/DB Carl Aikens (1991-92), QB Ben Bennett (1991-95), Coach Perry Moss (1991-97) and OS Herkie Walls (1991-96) were inducted with the Class of 2000.
Wagner still holds several Predators records including rushing touchdowns in a season (22) and career receptions (651), yards (9,495) and touchdowns (210). He scored seven total touchdowns in a game on multiple occasions and holds team records for total touchdowns in a season (51) and career (289).
The AFL Hall of Fame Class of 2011, which will be the first group of former players inducted since 2002, will be announced at the site of ArenaBowl XXIV and inducted during the 2012 season opener.
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