No Sophomore Jinx for Mahanke as Wide Receiver Closes in on 1,000 Yards

Published on July 9, 2003 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


(Bakersfield, CA) - For Bakersfield Blitz wide receiver, Eric Mahanke, grabbing acrobatic receptions and scoring touchdowns is all in a days work. Mahanke a 2nd year af2 veteran out of Fresno State leads all Blitz receivers this year having hauled in 69 receptions for 931 yards and 20 touchdowns through *12 games. He now only needs 69 yards to become the second player in franchise history to reach the 1,000-yard milestone. Former Blitz receiver and Bakersfield native Steve Wofford recorded 107 receptions for 1,248 yards and 24 touchdowns in 14 games last season.

Everyday after practice, Mahanke stays an extra 15 minutes running extra routes and playing catch. It is the little extra things that have caught the eyes of Bakersfield fans and the Blitz coaching staff. The hard work and dedication Mahanke has put in has helped the Blitz into the sixth playoff position for the 2003 af2 playoffs. Mahanke and the Blitz have three final games remaining. They will play back-to-back games against a Wichita Stealth team that is 8-5 and currently holding onto the 4th seed and a 9-4 Hawaiian Islanders club, which currently leads the West Division. If the Blitz should win out the remainder of their schedule they will have a shot at repeating as division champions and will also have the opportunity to host a first round home playoff contest. The importance and intensity of the remaining games will contribute to that of a playoff game.

"He's [Mahanke] a hardworking athlete who gives you all he's got, said Head Coach James Fuller. Everyday he's out there trying to get better. He has unbelievable work ethic. He's the type of player that you know what you're going to get when he steps on the field."

Throughout the 2003 season Mahanke has tallied numerous awards and accolades including four consecutive game MVP awards, four 100+ yard games, a nine game touchdown streak and three game winning touchdowns. Defensively he leads the club in interceptions with three picks, returning one back for a 14-yard touchdown. Mahanke has recorded 22 tackles (18-unassisted, 8-assisted) 4th best on the team thus far.

Prior to joining the Blitz, Mahanke spent the 2002 season with the Fresno Frenzy securing 40 receptions for 514 yards and 6 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball he recorded 50 tackles.

Mahanke and the Blitz will return to action Saturday, July 12 at the Centennial Garden when they take on the 8-5 Wichita Stealth who currently are holding onto the fourth playoff seed in the National Conference. Following the July 12 match up the two teams will square off again in Wichita, Kansas. Bakersfield currently possesses the sixth seed in the af2 2003 playoffs and will make a final push for a higher seed with the three remaining games.

*(Mahanke left the Memphis game early in the first quarter)

For information or ticket purchases to this weekend's game call (661) 634-9132, the Centennial Garden box office, Ticketmaster or visit www.bakersfieldblitz.com.

AUTOGRAPH FOOTBALL NIGHT

The first 1,500 fans through the gates at this weekend's game will receive an official 2003 Bakersfield Blitz commerative football. At the end of every Blitz home game, coaches and players come out and autograph the footballs as well as interact with the fans.

BLITZ TICKETS

For ticket information and purchases call (661) 634-9132, the Centennial Garden box office, Ticketmaster or go online to www.bakersfieldblitz.com.

SEASON TICKET HOLDER PLAYOFF PACKAGE

2003 Bakersfield Blitz season ticket holders can take advantage of the playoff package. When a season ticket holder purchases the same amount of tickets as the purchased in the regular season for the playoffs, the Bakersfield Blitz will match the amount of tickets purchased.

BLITZ 2004 SEASON TICKETS

Purchase or renew season tickets for the upcoming 2004 Bakersfield Blitz season at the Blitz office by calling (661) 634-9132.

ON THE AIR

Catch the Blitz on the air this Saturday, July 12, against the Wichita Stealth. The game will be broadcasted live on Bright House Networks (channel 21) or KERN 1410 AM. Pre-game will begin at 6:30 pm with kickoff slated for 7:00.

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