OurSports Central Interview: Philadelphia Soul radio announcer Ari Wolfe
by Fran Stuchbury
July 14, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul
OurSports Central contributor Fran Stuchbury spoke to Philadelphia Soul broadcaster Ari Wolfe following the team's 70-35 win over the Cleveland Gladiators in the Arena Football League's National Conference Championship game. Wolfe, who also was the broadcaster for the Albany/Indiana Firebirds starting back in 1998, will now follow the Soul to ArenaBowl XXII in New Orleans.
Fran Stuchbury: Were you happy with the team's overall performance in the win over the Cleveland Gladiators?
Ari Wolfe: Phenomenal performance, the Soul dominated the game from start to finish. I am so proud of head coach Brett Munsey, his entire staff, players and ownership that put them in a position to not only be successful but to deliver that type of performance on that stage. I'm almost lost for words, I am so proud of the Soul organization.
FS: How do you feel about rebounding from the way they played against New York last week to how they played this week?
AW: It taught me a little something, even when you win the way they won last week is that you take some valuable lessons from that. They came out this week and they decided to dictate the game to their opponent.
I was so impressed right from the beginning of the game. They got a stop, turned it into points and let Cleveland know that Philadelphia is the team to beat, so they sent a message.
FS: How did you feel about the play of the Soul's defense?
AW: How many stops did they have, seven or eight stops? The defense was phenomenal. I think it was the best defensive performance I saw all year. Since I have been with the team since day one, to see it come to this... o see that celebration on the field... is a moment I will never forget.
FS: How has your experience doing three AFL playoff games on ESPN been?
AW: The experience has been great. The people at ESPN I think are really falling in love with this sport of Arena Football. All I have tried to do is share my passion for a sport that I love. Eleven years has been great, to have ESPN on board, to have my team play in the ArenaBowl is like a dream come true.
FS: How do you compare your experience with being part of the Albany Firebirds and this team? Do you have the same feelings for that Albany team and Philadelphia?
AW: In Albany I was so young, it was my only second year as a broadcaster and it was such an amazing experience. This is different. I have been here since day one. I have been part of trying to watch this team grow and see how you build a championship team.
So the experience was totally different. I was just a young guy, fresh out of grad school. This time, to be 11 years in the Arena Football League, is a different sense of pride. But the difference is Albany won a world championship and Philadelphia still has one game to go.
FS: You were at last year's ArenaBowl in New Orleans. If the Philadelphia Soul fans go down there, how will they like the city?
AW: New Orleans was amazing last season. If it is anything like that they should have the time of their lives. Philadelphia has an opportunity to really almost have a home field advantage in New Orleans because the Philadelphia football fans are so passionate. I think they will travel and have a presence at the game. Normally when we have these neutral site games neither team has an advantage, but I expect Philadelphia to have a distinct fan advantage in New Orleans.
If you have any questions or comments about this interview feel free to drop me an email at arenazone@yahoo.com and I will be more than happy to get back to you.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 14, 2008
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- Columbus Destroyers Re-Sign Six Players for 2009 Season - Columbus Destroyers
- OurSports Central Interview: Philadelphia Soul radio announcer Ari Wolfe - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Foster Arenabowl Trophy to be Presented Next Sunday - AFL I
- D'Orazio is D'Man - Philadelphia Soul
- Soul And Sabercats Meet in ArenaBowl XXII - AFL I
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
