Former Xplorer Smith accomplishes af2/AFL first
June 13, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Memphis Xplorers News Release
SOUTHAVEN --- When the Chicago Rush captured the AFL Championship with a 69-61 victory over the Orlando Predators in ArenaBowl 20 this past Sunday, Rush lineman and former Memphis Xplorer Khreem Smith became a champion for the second year in a row and, in the process, the answer to a trivia question. According to the AFL/af2 league office, Smith is the first player to win an af2 title one season and an AFL crown the next.
Smith was the 2005 af2 Lineman of the Year after he led the league with 17 sacks in helping the Xplorers to the ArenaCup Championship. Following that dominating season, the former Oklahoma State star signed with Chicago in the AFL.
Smith finished second in the AFL with eight sacks in the 2006 regular season. He was named to the AFL All-Rookie Team and was named Second Team All-AFL.
The Rush barely qualified for the postseason with a 7-9 record and then went on a post-season tear. The team won three straight road games to make it to the title game in Las Vegas on Sunday.
In the Rush's four playoff games, Smith had three sacks, including one in the ArenaBowl on Sunday.
The Memphis Xplorers...2005 ArenaCup Champions
Help the Xplorers and the Northwest Mississippi Association of Realtors "Support Our Troops" when the Xplorers host the Birmingham Steeldogs on Saturday, June 17 at 7pm. The first 500 fans 12 and under will receive a collectible youth jersey compliments of First Tennessee. The first 1,000 fans will also get Miller Lite Can Koozies and miniature American flags. A-D-T will also be handing out CheerStix to all fans. Sam's Town Casino is sponsoring special jerseys the players will be wearing that will be auctioned off after the game to benefit the local troops and their families. Come early for the bike rally held by ABATE of Mississippi and the Sam's Town/Southern Thunder Harley Tailgate Party from 4 to 6. A big screen TV from Giant TV will be given away at halftime. See your local Giant TV location to sign up. With every purchase of a special $15 dollar ticket to the game, $6 will go to help our local troops and their families. For info, call 662-342-1755.
Listen to all the action on the radio home of the Xplorers, 730 ESPN.
Be sure to head to O'Charley's on Goodman Road in Southaven after every Xplorers home game for the official post game party.
Listen to the Danton Barto Show every Monday at 6pm on 730 ESPN live from The Fox and Hound in Southaven.
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