Lions Re-Load For 2010
Published on November 30, 2009 under Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
(Columbus, GA)- The Columbus Lions have re-signed WR Anthony Merritt and Gerald Gales for the 2010 season. The last time Merritt and Gales played on the same team (2008), they combined for 156 receptions, 1880 yards, and 44 TDs in leading the Lions to the number one ranked passing offense. Joining the duo will be 3 year starter WR Raphael Chestnut from Duke University.
Gales 5-10 185 out of West Alabama will be entering his 3rd year with the Lions. In two seasons, Gales has 126 receptions for 1609 yards and 31 TDs. "Gerald is a top tier receiver in indoor football. I remember coaching against him when he played for the Rome Renegades and we could not stop him. That's when I knew we had to sign him in Columbus." commented Gibson. Gales now resides in Columbus and is a constant in the community and the schools. "Not only is Gerald a great football player but a great person. He is always the first player to volunteer to visit the schools and not because he has to but because he wants to." add Gibson.
Merritt 6-0 215 North Alabama returns to the Lions after a one year absence. 2008 saw Merritt lead the Lions in reception (96) yards (991) and TDs (31). The former Harlan Hill Trophy Finalists looks to add interceptions to his stats this year. Coach Gibson will be expecting Merritt to play DB from time to time. "Anthony is one of the best all around athletes I have ever coached. He went to North Alabama as a DB and ends up a finalist as one of the best Division II players in the nation as an offensive player. For the Lions, he has thrown, run, and caught touchdowns, so asking him to play defense also shouldn't be a problem for him." stated Gibson.
Chestnut 6-2 190 Duke University has signed with the Lions after a chance meeting. In the fall, coach Gibson attended the UFL tryout in Orlando, FL. Chestnut was in attendance and through a mutual friend, they were introduced. "When I was introduced to Raphael, I knew exactly who he was." commented Gibson. Chestnut and Gibson had crossed paths before. During Gibson's time as offensive coordinator at Western Guilford High School, Chestnut was playing wide receiver for rival Reidsville High School who he helped to back-to-back state championships in 2002 and 2003 along with a state playoff semifinal appearance in 2004... Reidsville produced a record of 42-5 in his three seasons.. two-time all-conference pick... as a senior, caught 70 passes for 1,209 yards and 13 touchdowns while returning 19 punts for 498 yards and three scores... finished career with 115 pass receptions for 2,054 yards and 24 TDs... all-conference choice in basketball and track and field... helped Reidsville to 2003 state basketball title and was a member of state champion 4x400 relay team. Coach Gibson since became the head coach for the Loins and Chestnut became a 3 year starter for Duke University. He finished his college career with 72 receptions for 760 yards and 3 TDs. "Raphael is a pure athlete and a great football player. It is something special to be able to see him play as a high school player and then 5 years later have the opportunity to coach him as a young man at the professional level." add Gibson.
The Lions will kickoff the 2010 season in March. 2010 season tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling 706-322-3336 or visiting the website at www.columbuslions.net .
Southern Indoor Football League Stories from November 30, 2009
- Lions Re-Load For 2010 - Columbus Lions
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
