More Awards for Soul
July 17, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
BROWN WINS HERO AWARD
DB/KR Mike Brown was announced as the 2008 Al Lucas Hero Award winner today. The Al Lucas Hero Award is given to the one player who most shows active involvement in his community in honor of former L.A. Avengers linemen Al Lucas. Mike Brown was chosen because of his constant involvement in the Philadelphia community. One of Brown's community programs involved WJJZ Program Director and Mid-day personality Mike Tozzi joining forces with Brown as "Mike & Michael" to spearhead a program, which had four components:
1. "Speak from your Soul" Essay Contest. Two $1,000 academic scholarships for students in grade levels 4th - 8th which were awarded based on the content and poignancy of essays and participation in the program.
2. Educational forums at the National Liberty Museum with "Mike & Michael" interacting with students from area schools.
3. Attendance by groups of "P.E.A.C.E. Through Music" students at Soul home games.
4. A WJJZ on-air awareness campaign and online resource center (www.975wjjz.com) to promote all of the program's themes.
Mike & Michael spoke at local schools and also visited with groups attending the National Liberty Museum to speak about diversity and introduce the program. They received hundreds of essays and from that chose the two they believed were the most heartfelt. Those students were awarded the scholarships at the Soul's Week 16 62-61 win, June 14 against Cleveland.
D'ORAZIO NAMED QUARTERBACK OF THE YEAR
Soul QB Matt D'Orazio was named AFL Champs Quarterback of the Year, as voted by AFL coaches, players, fans, and the AFL Writers Association. He ended the regular season as the highest rated passer (131.3) and with the highest completion percentage (72.4). D'Orazio threw from 3,331 for 72 touchdowns, with only four interceptions. He led the quarterbacks in rushing with 227 yards, the Soul's single season record.
WHAT'S UP TODAY
Players and coaches returned to the practice field today in preparation for Virgin Mobile ArenaBowl XXII. The Soul took to the field of Eastern High School in Voorhess, NJ to get some sun and enjoy the weather.
HE SAID IT
At practice today, Rob Keefe energetically expressed that he and the team are counting the days leading up to New Orleans by shouting,"10 more days boys, 10 more days."
AROUND THE LEAGUE
The Grand Rapids Rampage re-signed Defensive Coordinator Ron Selesky for one more year. Selesky played a major role in rebuilding a Rampage defense that led the team to the America Conference Championship game in 2008. They believe Selesky provides the experience and most importantly the winning mind set that will benefit the team in the future.
ArenaBowl XXII weekend will be filled with events. On Saturday July 26st 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.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 17, 2008
- Philadelphia's Mike Brown Named Al Lucas Hero Award Winner - AFL I
- More Awards for Soul - Philadelphia Soul
- Brown named Al Lucas Hero Award Winner - Philadelphia Soul
- Officials for Virgin Mobile Arenabowl XXII Announced - AFL I
- Championship Chatter - AFL I
- QB Germaine, WR Whittaker Named To ESPN All AFL Team - Utah Blaze
- Rampage Re-Sign Selesky to 2009 Coaching Staff - Grand Rapids Rampage
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