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Rampage Announce 2003 Team Award Winners

May 20, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Rampage of the Arena Football League today announced the recipients of their sixth annual team awards. Five players were honored for the first time, including defensive specialist Lamar Grant, who was awarded the first-ever Michael Baker Award for community service and responsibility.

Baker, who retired following the 2002 season, was a staple throughout the Grand Rapids and West Michigan communities in his five season from 1998-2002, making countless appearances at schools, churches and many other charitable organizations. The standout receiver/linebacker was awarded the AFL Hero Award in 2000 for his efforts. The award recognizes the Rampage player that makes the most positive social impact through various public appearances during the season.

Head coach and director of football operations Michael Trigg stated, "In tribute to the quality job that Michael Baker pioneered for the organization in the area of community relations, we felt that we could honor him and also recognize a player each year that demonstrates the qualities and professionalism we strive for in our men when out in the community. There were some other deserving candidates including Clint Dolezel, Brian Gowins, and Israel Raybon, but Lamar Grant seemed to garner the most compliments and accolades from the schools and organizations. A quality man with a genuine personality endearing to children, you may not find a better ambassador for the Rampage and AFL than Lamar."

Grant (5-11, 188, Duke) ranked second on the team with 63.5 tackles in his first season with the Rampage. Signed during the off-season to secure the defensive secondary, Grant has made his presence felt on and off the turf. The third year defensive specialist has played a large role in the Rampage community relation efforts this season, spending countless hours volunteering his time in various capacities around the Grand Rapids area.

Offensive specialist Terrill Shaw (5-11, 185, Southern Mississippi) was awarded the Team MVP after recording career-highs of 113 receptions for 1,658 yards and 41 touchdowns this season. The yardage and TD totals set franchise records, while he also broke the team mark for all-time touchdowns scored with 76. Shaw played a large role in an offense that ranked near the top of the league with 57.8 points per game.

"Terrill was a virtual unanimous choice for MVP. The numbers speak for themselves," Trigg explained. "Although he hasn't garnered AFL attention as one of the best players in the league, he deserves it. His commitment to improving his health in the off-season has had him in the lineup for all 16 weeks producing at the highest level in our offense. He should be All-Arena. "

Wide receiver/defensive back Willis Marshall (5-9, 197, Youngstown State) was named Ironman of the Year as he developed into one of the finest two-way players in the AFL. This season, Marshall recorded 75 receptions for 904 yards and 15 touchdowns to go along with 33 tackles on defense and a 23.6 yard kickoff return average. Marshall has also recorded a reception in each game as a member of the Rampage, 37 games, which ties a team record.

"Willis has played the most minutes of any Rampage player over the past two years," said Trigg. "We rely on his endurance and stamina more than we should, but he has that ability. You won't find a better conditioned athlete in the AFL. His durability and command of a number of positions on offense and defense and special teams earned the respect of his teammates to get this award."

Lineman Albert Reese (6-6, 283, Grambling State) became the first rookie to claim the Lineman of the Year Award as he became a leader of the line after two fellow linemen suffered season-ending injuries. In 16 games, he led Rampage linemen with 15.5 tackles on the year, while also recording two sacks, three quarterback hurries and a forced fumble. He also played a large role in a line that allowed only eight sacks on the season.

"Reese is a no-nonsense player that is always working hard," Trigg said. "At times, the staff has to ask Albert to tone it down when we are going through teaching portions of practice because he only knows one speed - full speed. As a team, we are disappointed that he didn't garner All-Rookie honors as he is a very deserving candidate that probably didn't get the media attention he deserved."

Fullback/linebacker Chris Avery (6-0, 238, Kentucky State) received the Coaches' Award as he responded to the most extensive playing time in his career. Avery led the team, and ranked among the league leaders, with 166 rushing yards (5th) and eight touchdowns (9th) on 33 rush attempts. The powerful back developed into one of the most consistent and reliable performers on the team, after he had seen limited playing time over the past two seasons due to various off-the-field issues.

"As coaches, we relish the opportunity to have such a great athlete and hard worker. Chris doesn't say much but is straight business at practice, in the weight room, at meetings and on the road. If you had to pick one player on the squad to ride with you in a tough spot, it would be Chris Avery. He is warrior."

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