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Rampage Name Michael Baker Offensive Coordinator/Youth Development Director

September 16, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


The Grand Rapids Rampage Arena Football team have officially named former Rampage legend Michael Baker as the team's Offensive Coordinator and Youth Development Director.

Baker served as Receivers Coach last season for the Rampage after spending seven seasons playing in the Arena Football League, including his last five with Grand Rapids. He was instrumental in helping the Rampage win ArenaBowl XV in 2001. Two years after his retirement, Baker still ranks among the tops in team record books in nearly every non-passing or rushing category.

"Signing Michael Baker absolutely was a priority," said Rampage Head Coach Sparky McEwen. "He was crucial for this team as a player and now is even more important as we start rebuilding the Rampage back into championship form."

During his playing and now coaching days with the Rampage, Baker became not just a fan favorite for his outstanding two-way play on the field, but his community service efforts in the Grand Rapids community. He earned the AFL's 2000 Hero Award as the league's best player in community relations efforts.

"I'm very excited and am looking forward to working with a brilliant mind (Coach McEwen) in this game and am grateful to have the opportunity to help turn this team back into a winner," said Michael Baker.

Baker's continuing community efforts will be best used in his other position as Youth Development Director. This position entails creating public football programs, flag football tournaments, football clinics for kids in the Grand Rapids community. He will also develop and continue youth initiatives in the Grand Rapids community.

"With his experience in the community and with the schools, Baker's charisma and popularity will be huge in getting the youth of Grand Rapids involved with the Rampage," said McEwen of Coach Baker's new position as Youth Development Director. "Michael Baker is a true ambassador of Arena Football and is what sports role models are all about."

PLAYER TRYOUT INFORMATION

The Rampage will be holding open player tryouts at the Soccer Spot in Kentwood, Michigan on Saturday, October 2 for quarterbacks, receivers and defensive backs. The next day (10/3), the Rampage will tryout linemen, fullback/linebackers and kickers. It's $60 to tryout for the Rampage. For more information, please call 616.975.7708, ext. 19.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from September 16, 2004


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