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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Nudo Pleased with First Day of Practice

February 8, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX - The Arizona Rattlers officially kicked off their 2007 campaign and 16th year of Arena Football play with the beginning of training camp on Thursday. Players and coaches came together at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum to begin their path towards the team's singular goal - a third ArenaBowl championship for the franchise.

For Head Coach Gene Nudo, the day brought his first opportunity to get a live action look at the players vying for a spot on this season's squad.

"It was a great first day," Nudo said. "The guys worked hard and we had two productive practices. There was a lot of good enthusiasm out there and I'm looking forward to seeing what tomorrow brings."

A little bit of rust is to be expected during day one of camp. However, Nudo was nonetheless happy with the team's overall effort and performance.

"Some guys are coming off of injuries from last year, so they're testing out their legs a little bit," he said. "But all-in-all I'm very pleased."

Tucker Takes His Turn at Coaching

It's a familiar feeling for Mark Tucker to be involved with Rattlers football this time of year. But being at training camp wearing coaching attire instead of a helmet and pads is foreign territory to the long-time lineman. Tucker recently hung up his cleats after a 10-year career in Arena Football with the Rattlers following stints in the NFL, NFL Europe and an All-American collegiate career at USC.

Thursday's training camp marked the first chance for Tucker to take to the turf as the team's line coach.

"It's definitely different for me because I'm coaching guys that I've lined up with, guys that are good friends of mine and guys that are like my brothers," Tucker said. "It's different, but the players endorsed me to do this and they're respecting me as a coach.

"It's a new era and a new challenge for me. I've got a good group of guys so I'm having fun with it."

For veteran Rattlers such as lineman Vince Amey, the experience of seeing their former teammate as a coach didn't seem all that strange, since Tucker has long been a leader on the field.

"It's a little different now that he's our coach, but at the same time it's not because when we were playing together he was coaching too," Amey said. "I'm going to miss him out there playing because I think he's still got it, but who better to have as a coach than him; somebody who's played football for that long and knows the game's ins and outs."

Rolovich Returns

While everyone on the Rattlers roster relished the return to action, perhaps none was as happy to suit up once again as quarterback Nick Rolovich.

Though there's tough competition for playing time behind Sherdrick Bonner with fellow quarterbacks Ryan Dinwiddie and Todd Mortensen, Rolovich was happy to have his hands on the pigskin once again after missing last season due to injury.

"It was a good day for me personally because after sitting out last year it was nice to get back out on the field again with not only a good team but good people," Rolovich said. "All the quarterbacks got reps today and it just feels good for me to get back out with the team again and show what I can do."

Inside - Outside Game

Arena Football may be known as "The Indoor War," but the Rattlers enjoyed a little fun in the sun to open training camp, hosting their morning practice session outside before taking things inside in the afternoon.

Though the players hope to win a championship indoors, the pleasant outside conditions made for a productive practice.

"It's good to come inside and get your timing down a little bit, but outdoors is definitely easier on your body," receiver Cosmo DeMatteo said. "The grass is a little softer and it's good to be out in the sunshine.

"Coach Nudo's doing a great job with mixing it up to where we're not killing ourselves on the turf, but yet we're coming in and getting good solid work inside."

Moving inside the Coliseum gives the Rattlers a more authentic replication of game conditions with indoor lighting and turf. The sidewalls, however, were yet in place for the afternoon practice, which was a welcome surprise for DeMatteo, who understands the immovable force of the walls in Arena Football.

"The wall always wins," he said. "I'm 0-2 with the wall, but it is what it is. The walls don't bother me much."

Friday's Practice

Training camp continues for the Rattlers on Friday with another round of two-a-day practices. Friday's sessions are set for 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. As always, practice is open to both the public and media.

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