Notes from SaberCats ArenaBowl XVIII camp
Published on June 18, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. (June 18, 2004) - The following are vignettes concerning players and coaches from the week of June 14-18. They concern things outside the football 'arena' and inside the game leading up to the San Jose SaberCats traveling to Phoenix to meet the Arizona Rattlers in ArenaBowl XVIII on Sunday, June 27, at 1 p.m. (PT).
VETERAN HERNANDEZ GETS UNDER LAKER FANS SKIN
Veteran lineman Sam Hernandez of the San Jose SaberCats knows how to get under the skin of his teammates who were rooting for the Los Angeles Lakers in the recent NBA championship series.
Holding up a T-shirt with a NO. 3 and the name 'WALLACE' on the back, Sam made it a point to jibe his fellow lineman Chuck Reed, who wears a Shaq No. 34 jersey to practice, and Rashied Davis, another faithful follower of the Lakers.
"It's not so much that I like the Pistons (Detroit beat LA, 4-1, in the series), it's because I can't stand the Lakers," said Hernandez. "Ben Wallace (Detroit player) is my kind of guy; he's tough and backed it up."
Sam later put the T-shirt on to lift weights and rub it in a little more. And he won't let up since his locker at the SaberCats facility is right next to Reed's. Chuck has quickly switched to black and green shirts.
COACHES EVEN LIKE THE 'RUBS' OF WINNING
San Jose defensive coordinator Michael Church's brother-in-law is C.J. Brown of the Major Soccer League's Chicago Fire.
"I gave him my ArenaBowl cap and T-shirt so he could wear it around Chicago," said coach Church.
The SaberCats defeated the Chicago Rush, 49-35, in the Arena Football League's semifinal playoff game to make it to ArenaBowl XVIII.
"MAINSTREET" HOOPSTERS COLLIDE IN AUGUST
Offensive specialist James Hundon, lineman Chuck Reed and kicker Dan Frantz will be playing in the 'Mainstreet Madness' basketball tournament, Aug. 7-8, in Hillsboro, Oregon. They were invited to play in the 3-on-3 hoops tournament which is played on the streets of the town, just west of Portland.
"I'm not going to play, just show up," said an always jovial Reed, who is counted upon to clog up the middle with his 6-foot-2, 305-pound frame.
"I would expect him to at least set some screens for us shooters," said Frantz, who along with Hundon are out of nearby Portland State University. "I'd hate to see anyone run into Chuck," said Hundon.
HOME BUYING PART OF MARRIAGE PROCESS FOR LONEY
Center Dan Loney and his wife, Tori, spent the first two days of the week looking for a new home. The two scouted houses in the Porterville, Calif., area.
"We found a couple of potential houses to buy," said Loney. The two were wed during the off season and currently reside in Atascadero.
KEVIN BUCK PREPS FOR McKENZIE'S WEDDING IN JULY
Kevin Buck, one of the top three fullbacks on the team until he was sidelined with an injury, was searching the internet for a tuxedo. "They have them in my size," said Buck with a smile.
He'll be part of former SaberCat Kevin McKenzie's wedding party on July 2 outside of Los Angeles.
"My job is to keep everyone happy; guess that's why I'm always smiling," said Buck, whose rehabilitation is on schedule.
The former Northwestern University standout was placed on injured reserve April 23 with a season-ending knee injury (ACL).
SABERCATS SPIRITUAL GROUP ANSWERS MANY QUESTIONS
There is life outside the practice field, the weight room, meetings and the trainer's room. Every player does his own thing but spirituality has become a part of many San Jose player's life. Omarr Smith, the team's all-league defensive specialist, is part of a assemblage of players that meet as a Bible study group each week. "There are always eight or nine of us," says Smith. "It's good to talk about things that don't pertain to football. You also know that you have these guys who will support you."
Clevan Thomas, the two-time AFL Defensive Player of the Year who was lost for the season to a knee injury, is the leader of the group. "He's our spiritual leader," said Smith.
The best thing about the group is building friendships off the field. "We can talk and build a greater rapport and relationships with our fellow man," Smith said. "We have had some pretty good discussions. It's great that people have different opinions, because different points of view are good. You realize you aren't the only one seeking help."
James Roe, the outstanding receiver-linebacker, also is a part of the group. "I know I can go to someone like James and talk man-to-man," Smith continued. "I know there will be no bias and he will give me his opinion and try to help me out."
HUNDON ENJOYS RIGORS OF ROLLER SKATING AT LOCAL RINK
When you think of speed, most think of fast cars. Offensive specialist James Hundon enjoys the speed of roller skating. For a guy who gets started with backfield motion and beats most of his opponents down field, Hundon takes the roller skating seriously.
Hundon skates sometimes as much as three times a week at Cal Skate in Milpitas, Calif. The rink features both roller and inline skating as well as speed and artistic skating.
"He's actually pretty good," said a source who requested anonymity. "Last time I saw him, he was with friends doing some kind of dance skating."
Cal Skate proclaims "Family Fun For Everyone," and that's what Hundon enjoys.
CORRECTION IDENTIFIES DAN FRANTZ' FIANCEE
Corrections usually are found in small print on the back page. Making this one is not a problem. In a previous release we incorrectly identified kicker Dan Frantz' fiancée. Frantz will marry Shelby Rich 27 days after ArenaBowl XVIII in Portland, Oregon.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 18, 2004
- Notes from SaberCats ArenaBowl XVIII camp - San Jose SaberCats
- Former roommates to battle in ArenaBowl XVIII - San Jose SaberCats
- QB Shane Stafford re-signs with Storm - Tampa Bay Storm
- Gladiators come to terms with three players - Las Vegas Gladiators
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