Gladiators Ink Samoan Semi Mathias Vavao and Defensive Specialist Anthony Cobbs
December 3, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release
Las Vegas, NV, December 3, 2003 â The Las Vegas Gladiators announced today the signings of free agents Mathias Vavao and Anthony Cobbs.
Vavao (6-5, 300, Murray State) joins the Gladiators after playing the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Avengers. While with the Avengers, Vavao was a fan favorite and earned the nickname "The Samoan Semi" while pounding his way to 128 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on just 42 carries. He is quite versatile even at his size, catching six passes for 37 yards. Converted into a fullback/linebacker prior to the 2003 season, Vavao had played five years as a lineman in the Arena Football League with Iowa and Houston.
Cobbs (6-1, 196, UCLA), one of the top defensive backs in the Arena Football League, spent the last three seasons playing for the San Jose SaberCats and joins the Gladiators with an ArenaBowl championship under his belt from the 2002 campaign. Last season, Cobbs contributed with 16.5 total tackles, seven pass breakups, four forced fumbles and two interceptions. On the offensive side of the ball, he totaled two receptions for 47 yards. For his career, Cobbs has amassed 80.5 tackles, one and a half tackles for losses, five interceptions, 15 pass breakups, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
To make room on the roster, the Gladiators released WR/LB Donavon Morgan.
The Gladiators are now Armed & Dangerous to challenge the AFL Western Division with All-AFL quarterback Clint Dolezel and the most prolific receiving core in the Arena Football League, which includes newcomers Terrill Shaw and Marcus Nash.
Often recognized as one of the nation's most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League will begin its 18th season in February 2004, making it the second-longest running football league in U.S. history, trailing only the NFL. On the strength of its Mission Statement and Fans' Bill of Rights, the AFL is America's fastest growing sport. The Austin Wranglers joins the Philadelphia Soul and New Orleans VooDoo as the three expansion teams added for the 2004 season. At least two more teams will be added in each of the next two seasons. A network-TV sport, the AFL will celebrate its second season on NBC in 2004.
Gladiators' 2004 season seats are on sale now. Fans interested in purchasing Gladiators' season seats can do so by calling the Gladiators office at 702-731-4977 or by calling 702-739-FANS.
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