Quality and quantity turnout expected at WIFL combine Sunday
Published on December 14, 2006 under World Indoor Football League 2 (WIFL 2) News Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. - Organizers of the World Indoor Football League's player combine are expecting a strong turnout for Sunday's workout in the Columbus (Ga.) Civic Center.
"It wouldn't surprise me if we have 75 quality players there,'' said Columbus Lions Head Coach Jason Gibson. "There's a lot of interest in the league and there are a lot of players who are just simply looking for the opportunity to play."
Coaches from all four WIFL teams - Gibson, Augusta's Bubba Digss, Leon Bright of Daytona Beach and Osceola's Marquette Smith - will be on hand to evaluate talent and possibly fill that "missing piece of the puzzle" as the teams assemble their training camp roster.
"I'm going up to Georgia looking for a lineman,'' said Bright. "But these tryouts are like Forrest Gump's box of chocolate - you never know what you're going to get."
Hopefuls will participate in drills including the 40-yard dash, agility exercises, cone drills, vertical jumps, bench pressing and game situations.
"This tryout will give a better an indication of the players' ability because it's being held under game conditions," Smith said. "You can't simulate that outdoors."
The combine will be held in two sessions. The first, beginning at 9 a.m., will be for offensive and defensive linemen, running backs, linebackers and kickers. Defensive backs, wide receivers and quarterbacks take the field at 11 a.m.
Tryout fees are $45 -- cash or money order only -- and include a t-shirt. Players are asked to wear turf shoes.
Each workout station and drill will have a camera assigned to it, giving coaches an additional opportunity to evaluate talent. For a minimal fee ($12), players can purchase a copy of their individual workouts to submit to coaches and player personnel directors.
Columbus videographer Jim Anthony is overseeing the project, and will use the combine as a test bed for video use at Columbus Lions games during the league's inaugural season beginning in February.
For more information, contact Coach Gibson at 706-681-3346 or e-mail jason@columbuslions.net
Dedicated to raising the standards of indoor football both on and off the field, the World Indoor Football League consists of four respected franchises committed to providing family entertainment and an opportunity for players, coaches and staff to showcase their skills and advance to the next level. More information is available about the league at www.wifl.us.
World Indoor Football League 2 Stories from December 14, 2006
- Lions eager to host WIFL combine - Columbus Lions
- Thunder coach like Forrest Gump when it comes to tryouts - Daytona Beach Thunder
- Only two chances remain to dance for the Spartans - Augusta Colts
- Spartans coach knows Columbus combine will produce - Augusta Colts
- Quality and quantity turnout expected at WIFL combine Sunday - WIFL 2
- Bo knows: Thunder signs former Rome QB Bartik - Daytona Beach Thunder
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
