L.A. Avengers trade Luis Almanzar to Austin Wranglers
October 4, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release
LOS ANGELES -- The Avengers have traded offensive/defensive lineman Luis Almanzar to the Austin Wranglers, head coach Ed Hodgkiss announced today.
The trade closes the book on a transaction that began roughly 11 months ago when Austin sent veteran quarterback John Kaleo to Los Angeles for a future consideration.
Kaleo was the Avenger starting quarterback in all 17 games last season. He led Los Angeles to a 10-6 regular-season record and its first Western Division title. Kaleo was 325-of-529 (61.4 percent) for 3,935 yards and 77 touchdowns. He also rushed for four scores and had a passer rating of 113.6 (seventh in the AFL).
Following the 2005 season, Kaleo became a free agent and signed with the Columbus Destroyers today.
The Avengers currently have two quarterbacks on their roster -- Brian Mann and Ryan Van Dyke -- and are expected to pick up another signalcaller prior to the start of training camp in early January.
Almanzar played in 13 games for the Avengers last season. He made 19 tackles (10th on the team), including four for losses and two quarterback sacks. He also batted down four passes and recovered a fumble.
"We would like to thank Luis for his help in winning the Western Division last season and wish him the best of luck in Austin," said Hodgkiss, who has guided the Avengers into the playoffs in each of his previous four seasons at the helm. "This concludes our trade with Austin for John Kaleo and although we are sorry to lose Luis, we are excited about positioning our team for the current free agent signing period."
Season ticket packages for the upcoming 2006 campaign are on sale now. Please call 1-888-AVENGERS for more information or visit the team's official Website at www.laavengers.com.
The Avengers averaged 12,165 fans at STAPLES Center for eight regular-season home games during the 2005 season.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 4, 2005
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- Soul land top two free agent linemen - Philadelphia Soul
- L.A. Avengers trade Luis Almanzar to Austin Wranglers - Los Angeles Avengers
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