Players and Coaches Evaluated At Open Tryout
February 7, 2006 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Hammond Heroes News Release
The great journey for the Hammond Heroes will be the team's initial season in the National Indoor Football League, set to begin in March of 2006. The first small step to insure success began on Saturday, February 4th, when 35 prospective players and a handful of coaching candidates paraded their skills in front of Heroes owner Tommy Smith, in what he called "an opportunity to evaluate both players at all positions and a chance to form a coaching staff that will bring out the best in that on-field talent. I was pleased in what I saw on both accounts."
Held at the Strawberry Stadium on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University, players from as far away as New Orleans came to compete in both standard football drills and individual one-on-one football skills competition by position. Headed up by Coach Bill McQuarters, several other prominent coaches in the Hammond area were on hand to supervise, evaluate and grade-out the athletes hoping to make the roster of this newly expanded team in the NIFL. Many boasted of college experience, all were eager to impress Smith and the coaches on hand with their skill and desire.
One prospect probably best stated the attitude of all the young hopefuls when, during a break in the action, he said, "It's tougher than I thought it would be, a lot of good athletes are on this field, but, hey, you'll be asked to meet the challenge week after week in this league, so I'm ready for the competition." Then with a grin, the defensive back prospect said, âI just hope I catch the eye of the coach who matters most."
In fact, they all mattered. Hammond Owner Tommy Smith was on hand to evaluate the coaches as well, and he was impressed with what he saw. "We have yet to decide on a Head Football Coach, but after what I've seen this weekend, I feel I have my man. It's just a matter of getting him signed and the coaches who were on hand for this tryout are on the radar as well for positions with this football team. I realize this will be our first season, and there will be a learning curve both on the field and on the sidelines. This is a tough, competitive league and I've got to have the best possible players and coaches in line for 2006. Today went a long way toward securing that for the Hammond Heroes and our fans."
The Heroes open the inaugural season on Saturday, March 18 th at home against the Cincinnati Marshals. All Hammond home games will be played at the Cefalu Coliseum in Hammond, Louisiana. For more information on the Hammond Heroes, contact Tommy Smith at 985-788-1139 or 985-863-7506.
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National Indoor Football League Stories from February 7, 2006
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- Players and Coaches Evaluated At Open Tryout - Hammond Heroes
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