Mayor Nutter Rallies the Soul
July 18, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
SOUL END AFL AWARD-SEASON WITH A BANG
The Philadelphia Soul ended the AFL award announcements for this season with a bang, winning the final two awards that were handed out before ArenaBowl. To go along with having the best record in the league, the Soul were the most decorated team in the AFL this season by far. Quarterback Matt D'Orazio led the charge for the Soul, winning Champs Quarterback of the Year, AFL Writer's Association Player of the Year and being named as the First Team All-Arena Quarterback. D'Orazio was also named as a finalist for the Offensive Player of the Year, but lost out to Soul wide receiver Chris Jackson, who was also named as an All-Arena First Teamer. In total, the Soul led the league with four First Team All-Arena players (D'Orazio, Jackson, and offensive linemen Phil Bogle and Martin Bibla). Philadelphia also had the most Second Team All-Arena players this season with three (defensive linemen Gabe Nyenhuis and Bryan Save, and defensive back Eddie Moten). The Soul were also represented on the league's All-Rookie team (kicker Connor Hughes), All-Ironman team (fullback/linebacker Clifton Smith), and Al Lucas Hero team (defensive back Mike Brown). Mike Brown ended the award announcements being named the league's Al Lucas Hero Award winner on Thursday, July 17, for his contributions to the Philadelphia community and the game of Arena Football this season.
SOUL HOLD PEP RALLY AT LOVE PARK
The Soul held a pep rally at LOVE Park today for fans to get ready for next Sunday's ArenaBowl in New Orleans. Notable's in attendance included Mayor Michael Nutter, Team President Ron Jaworski, Coach Bret Munsey and the Soul players. Mayor Nutter also renamed the world-famous park to SOUL Park for the day. To show their appreciation, the Soul presented Mayor Nutter with his own jersey.
WHAT'S UP TODAY
The team held their final practice of the week today indoors at the Coliseum in Voorhees. The players then had some time off before they attended the pep rally at LOVE Park in the city. Later, Mike Brown stopped by ESPN SportsNation to chat with fans and answer questions. The Chat Log marked the second consecutive Friday that a member of the Soul was featured on an ESPN Chat (Matt D'Orazio, 7/11/08). Brown's chat log can be viewed here http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=21549 ... D'Orazio's chat archive can be viewed here http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=21447
HE SAID IT
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter at the Soul pep rally today: "I got my championship a little early, but now it is the Soul's turn. After New Orleans we will be right back here for a celebration!"
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Hollywood Recording artist Jordan Pruitt will headline the Kid Zone with her performance starting at approximately 1pm. Pruitt will also do the ArenaBowl pre-game show on Sunday.
ArenaBowl XXII weekend will be filled with events. On Saturday July 26th the AFL will host Kid Zone which is a free event open to the public from 10am - 2pm. There will be appearances by players, team mascots, Miss America, and the Aarons AFL Dream Team dancers, as well as obstacle courses, inflatable games, face painting, and entertainment for the entire family.
ARENABOWL XXII TICKETS AVAILABLE
Virgin Mobile Arena Bowl XXII tickets are available now. For more information on tickets call 888-PHIL-AFL or email tix@philadelphiasoul.com.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 18, 2008
- Blaze Dancer Juliet C. Excited for Arenabowl XXII Experience - Utah Blaze
- Mayor Nutter Rallies the Soul - Philadelphia Soul
- Championship Chatter - AFL I
- Park Renaming in honor of Soul on Friday during Rally - Philadelphia Soul
- Hollywood Recording Artist Jordan Pruitt To Perform At Virgin Mobile Arenabowl XXII - AFL I
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