Friday Marks The Start Of Redemption
February 25, 2010 - Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA (February 25, 2010) - Referred as the time before the season commences, all rookies and skill position players are set to report for Columbus Lions training camp on Friday February 28th, with the first official practice slated for March 1st at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium.
One miss-snap has left lasting imprint on many of the Columbus Lions players minds as the last time the Columbus Lions were on the field, they finished their best regular season with a Eastern Championship Game that concluded with a fumble in the waning seconds of what possible was the game winning drive.
"As hard as it was to finish the way we did last year, I am extremely excited to see how that one play will mold our team during training camp," says Columbus Lions Head Coach Jason Gibson. "This time of year is always exciting, but now that we nearly tasted that championship feeling our players have began pushing themselves harder than ever."
With majority of training camp taking place at nearby Memorial Stadium, many former players will began working on getting that nasty taste out of their mouth months ago. It has molded some into the best playing shape of their football lives. Gerald Gales, a two-year starter at wide receiver, spent majority of last off-season rehabbing an injured knee but this off-season Gales spent majority of his time on an injury free knee allowing him to refine his route running.
Much of last season involved a revolving door at quarterback; Columbus will open the 2010 training camp extremely confident as both Todd Spitzer and Chris McCoy return. On the way to capturing the AIFA's Southern Division Crown, Spitzer took over the QB reigns with four games, leading the Lions on a five game winning streak including the franchise's first playoff win. McCoy returns after spending majority of the 2009 season as the third string quarterback.
The Lions will spend the 2010 training camp rebuilding an offensive and defensive line that has only one starter returning. On defense, two familiar faces in camp will be that of Elbert Shumake and Eddie Ravenell. Both were members of the 2008 Lions squad but had to sit out the 09 campaign amid personal issues.
Training camp always allows for some fresh faces to the fold and many will look at competing to earn a spot at training camp. Most notably are wide receivers Preston McGann, Lonnell DeWalt, and Eddie Cohen. McGann was a member of the Michael Irvin reality show Fourth and Long while DeWalt put up huge numbers while playing for the AF2 Lexington Horsemen. Cohen was once the primary target for quarterback Todd Spitzer while the two were at Western Carolina University.
Those attending training camp will endure up to 17 practices with the final members of the roster making it thru three roster cuts. On March 8th, some will get the chance to prove their worth on the field as the Columbus Lions will host the Greenville Force for an exhibition game at 6:00 pm. All tickets are $5 and for more information contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3336.
Southern Indoor Football League Stories from February 25, 2010
- 2010 Force Offensive Preview - Greenville Force
- Preseason Defensive Back Signee Preview - Greenville Force
- Friday Marks The Start Of Redemption - Columbus Lions
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