Rampage, U.S. Army team up for fitness and leadership

November 21, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


The Grand Rapids Rampage visited three local high schools last week to promote the importance of teamwork, fitness and education.

Rampage players participated in "Boot Camp," a high-school education and fitness initiative of the Arena Football League and the US Army, visiting the campuses of Ottawa Hills High School, Grand Rapids Central High School and Creston High School from November 16-18.

Players Anthony Hines, Peter Martinez and JoJo Polk joined drill sergeants from the US Army to take over physical education classes for the entire day at each school.

"When I was in high school, I didn't have a professional sports team come in to my school to teach life-skills," said offensive specialist Anthony Hines. "It's our duty as professional athletes to help our community and provide a positive influence for the kids in our community."

The Rampage players along with an Army Drill Sergeant addressed the students at the beginning of their physical education classes and introduced the class to both the Army's physical training drills and Arena Football League drills. During lunch periods, the players signed autographs. The Army also supplied dog tags to students participating.

"Soldiers, like all strong community leaders, take pride in making a difference for themselves, their families and their nation," said Colonel Thomas Nickerson, Director of Strategic Outreach, U.S. Army Accessions Command. "The Football Tour program affords the Army the opportunity to come into schools and teach students not only the importance of fitness, but the qualities like teamwork, discipline and leadership."

About U.S. Army

The U.S. Army Accessions Command, USAAC, headquartered at Fort Monroe, Va., is charged with overseeing recruiting and training of both enlisted soldiers and officers for the Army. USAAC is composed of the U.S. Army Recruiting Command at Fort Knox, Ky., the U.S. Army Cadet Command at Fort Monroe, Va. and the U.S. Army Training Center at Fort Jackson, S.C.

About Arena Football League

On the strength of its Mission Statement and Fans' Bill of Rights, the Arena Football League is the second-longest running football league in U.S. history. It begins its 20th season in 2006 with new teams in Kansas City and Utah. Often recognized as one of the nation's most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League is America's fastest-growing sport.

Rampage 2006 season tickets are now on sale. To reserve your season tickets for hard-hitting, high scoring, non-stop Rampage football on Centennial Wireless Field at Van Andel Arena, call the Rampage offices at 1.888.595.4878 or log on to RampageFootball.com.

The 20th season of Arena Football and ninth of Rampage football kicks off on Sunday, January 29, 2006 when the Rampage travel to Columbus, Ohio to take on the Destroyers at 3:00 p.m. Tune in on WOOD-TV channel 8 (NBC) in the Grand Rapids area all season long for the Rampage's drive to ArenaBowl XX.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from November 21, 2005


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