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Rampage Add Toughman Compton, Baker Out Additional Two to Four Weeks

May 21, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


Grand Rapids, MI - The ArenaBowl XV Champion Grand Rapids Rampage announced today the signing of three-time All-Arena wide receiver/linebacker and 2001 Built Ford Tough Man of the Year Gary Compton. The team also announced that WR/LB Michael Baker will miss an additional two to four weeks after an MRI revealed a fracture of his right tibia (leg).

Compton (6-2, 210, East Texas State) comes to Grand Rapids from the Indiana Firebirds, who released the 10-year veteran last week. In four games this season with the Firebirds, Compton caught 18 passes for 239 yards and four touchdowns on offense. He also added six tackles and two interceptions on defense.

Prior to joining the Firebirds, Compton spent the previous seven seasons with the Milwaukee Mustangs, finishing his stint as the Mustangs' career leader in receptions (496), receiving yards (7,021) and receiving touchdowns (118). Following the 2001 season, his last in Milwaukee, the three-time First Team All-Arena selection (1992, 1999, 2001) was named the AFL's very first Built Ford Tough Man of the Year, which goes to the player who demonstrates toughness, determination and reliability.

"Gary is a player that has been available via free agency the past two years. Our interest has been high, but our need at that position has been minimal. With Baker's injury situation, his availability is both a surprise and great timing for the Rampage," said Michael Trigg, Rampage head coach and director of football operations. "Because of my familiarity with Gary over his entire collegiate and professional career, I know exactly the kind of player and person we are getting, and I think he will be a nice complement to Steve Smith, Terrill Shaw, Willis Marshall, and Ricky Ross on offense. Defensively, Gary is arguable the best weak side linebacker in the game. If we can get Michael Baker healthy, the Rampage would sport the First and Second Team All-Arena wide receiver/linebackers from 2001."

Compton, whose other AFL stops include the Dallas Texans and Fort Worth Calvary, ranks among the league's all-time leaders in receptions (3rd), receiving TDs (5th) and scoring (4th). In addition to all of his other accolades, the former East Texas State standout was selected as a reserve on the AFL's 15th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Grand Rapids now boasts three East Texas State alums in Compton, Trigg and Clint Dolezel. This is the second time that all three have been together on the same team (Milwaukee Mustangs, 1995-1996).

Baker (6-2, 217, West Virginia), the Rampage's lone remaining holdover from the inaugural season, injured his ankle ironically against Compton and the Firebirds in week two. He was placed on injured reserve and was expected to return last week, but his ankle never healed. A second MRI on Monday revealed the fracture at the base of his ankle. Through two games this season, the former Mountaineer has four catches for 28 yards on offense. He also has a tackle and a fumble recovery on defense.

Compton is expected to see his first action in a Rampage uniform this Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. against the Buffalo Destroyers. Tickets may be purchased through Tickets PLUS at (616) 222-4000 or (800) 585-3737, at West Michigan Meijer locations and also at The ZONE, located on the west side of Van Andel Arena. Rampage tickets are also available on-line at www.tickets.com or www.rampagefootball.com.

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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.

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