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Rampage extends McEwen's contract through 2008

April 5, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


The Grand Rapids Rampage announced Wednesday morning that it has extended head coach Sparky McEwen's contract through the 2008 season.

"I am extremely confident in Sparky McEwen, not only as the Rampage head coach but as an ambassador for the Grand Rapids community," said Rampage owner and president Dan DeVos. "His recruiting has made Grand Rapids once again a desirable destination for top-notch free agents."

"Sparky (McEwen) has made great strides with the team since taking over, both on and off the field," continued DeVos. "He certainly has the team heading in the right direction and I, as an owner, will continue to give him all the tools necessary to win another ArenaBowl championship for West Michigan."

McEwen took over the head coaching position in 2005, inheriting a team that finished 1-15 the previous season. The Rampage finished the 2005 season 4-12 and is 3-7 so far in 2006. In this short timeframe, McEwen has posted impressive wins over four of the top five winningest head coaches in AFL history (Darren Arbet, Mike Dailey, Mike Hohensee and Danny White).

"Our goal is to get back to the level we were at in 2001 and win another ArenaBowl title," said Rampage chief executive officer Scott Gorsline. "We obviously are not satisfied with our current record, but we are confident that Coach McEwen is the man to take us back to a championship level. Now we need continuity so that we have the ability to gel as a team."

"My family and I are excited to be a part of an organization that is committed to the long-term goal of championships, not just immediate wins," said McEwen. "It's not often that you get the opportunity to work closely with an owner as successful as Dan DeVos, someone who is completely committed to building and maintaining a championship caliber team."

"The AFL is a lot different now and has grown exponentially since we won the title in 2001." added McEwen, "This organization has made a lot of moves on the field and in the front office over the last two seasons, and all of them are intended to help position us to become one of the elite franchises in the league."

"When I first took the job, I was, and am, committed to winning more ArenaBowls for Grand Rapids," stated McEwen. "I am not pleased with our current record in terms of wins and losses, but am pleased with our progress. This progress will lead to more wins and ultimately more championships."

The Rampage returns to Centennial Wireless Field at Van Andel Arena this Saturday, April 8 against the Colorado Crush. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.

All Rampage home games are played on Centennial Wireless Field at Van Andel Arena. Tickets are available through StarTicketsPLUS (1.800.585.3737), all Michigan Meijer locations, at The Zone (located on the west side of Van Andel Arena) or by clicking here.

Rampage games can be heard live on WBFX 101.3 FM - The Fox in the Grand Rapids area and online worldwide at 1013thefoxrocks.com. Tune in on WOOD-TV channel 8 (NBC) in the Grand Rapids area all season long for the Rampage's drive to ArenaBowl XX.

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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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