Muskegon Thunder Opens Training Camp

February 18, 2008 - Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL)
Muskegon Thunder News Release


MUSKEGON - The Muskegon Thunder of the Continental Indoor Football League officially opened training camp for the upcoming 2008 season with a two hour practice on Sunday, February 17th at Shoreline Soccer Club, 6875 Norton Pines Drive in Spring Lake. A roster of 32 was expected as preparations begin for the team's season opener at home on March 8th versus the Marion (Ohio) Mayhem.

Shane Fairfield is back for a second season as head coach as are several key players from a team which finished its inaugural campaign in 2007 with a 4-9 record including a playoff berth. Two-thirds of the Thunder's prolific receiving core is back as Richard Gills (6-4,225) of Northwood University and Nathan Wruble (6-7, 240) of Ferris State will lead offensive coordinator Brent White's attack. The other member of the top-notch trio, Derek Hawthorne (6-2, 205) of Grand Rapids Community College, is still recovering from a leg injury suffered in the final regular season game in 2007. Also back on the pass catching brigade is Muskegon native Tony Terrell (6-7, 236) who recently returned to football after playing college basketball at Ferris State. Looking to land the starting quarterback job will be Ryan Ferguson (6-0, 200) of Albion College, who served as the team's backup signal caller last season. Anchoring the offensive line will again be guard Matt Bolles (6-5, 300) of Eastern Michigan along with guard/center Mike Wilford (6-4, 290) of Grand Valley State.

Defensively, hard-hitting cornerback Maurice Simpson (6-0, 195) of Thiel College leads a retooled secondary that will be under the direction of newly hired defensive coordinator Ryan Hodges. Corey Sullivan (5-11, 200) of Muskegon High also adds depth to the DB's. Moving from the D-Line to linebacker will be Mitch Cumings (6-0, 240) of Hope College who is back to 100 per cent after missing all but two games last season with a knee injury. Vying for playing time up front will be noseguard Adam Pringle (6-0, 270) of Albion, and ends Marquise Applewhite (6-5, 270) of Northwood and Ruben Esparza (5-11, 230) of Travis High (Austin, TX). Mike Nichols (6-0, 215) of GRCC, who excelled on special teams in 2007, will also provide help at linebacker.

Just a few of the newcomers expected to make noise in camp include cornerback Dominic Thocher (6-1, 185) of Ferris State, free safety Tim Gough (6-0, 230) of Albion, defensive lineman Ernest Bentz (6-5, 270) of Montague High, center Lance Dusendang (6-4, 320) of Grand Rapids West Catholic High, guard Dan Kliphuis (6-3, 365) of Grand Valley State and kicker Mike Brennan (6-2, 185) of Baker (Kansas) University.

Practices, which are open to the public, will continue this week at Lakeshore Sports Centre, 4470 Airline Road in Muskegon. Workouts on Monday and Tuesday will take place from 7:30-9:30 p.m. and Friday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The scene then shifts back to Shoreline Soccer Club for the team's annual Blue-White scrimmage on Sunday, Feb. 24th beginning at 10:00 a.m.

On Feb. 27th the team will announce its final 25-man roster at a contract signing party hosted by Buffalo Wild Wings, 5638 South Harvey in Muskegon. All local media and fans are encouraged to attend and meet the men who will don the Carolina Blue in 2008.

MUSKEGON THUNDER

2008 SCHEDULE

SAT March 8 vs MARION

FRI March 21 vs ROCK RIVER

SAT March 29 @ Milwaukee

FRI April 4 vs KALAMAZOO

SAT April 12 vs FORT WAYNE

FRI April 25 vs CHICAGO

SAT May 3 @ Kalamazoo

SAT May 10 @ Flint

SAT May 17 vs MILWAUKEE

SAT May 24 @ Fort Wayne

SAT May 31 @ Chicago

FRI June 6 @ Saginaw

All HOME GAMES in ALL CAPS

All HOME GAMES Kick Off @ 7:30 P.M. E.S.T.



Continental Indoor Football League Stories from February 18, 2008


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.

OurSports Central