Revamped Rattlers Reving Up For 2008
Published on February 6, 2008 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
MESA, Az. - The playoff-guaranteed Arizona Rattlers are gearing up for the 2008 AFL season as training opens up Wednesday, February 6th at Gene Autry Park in Mesa. The camp, which lasts 17 days and ends on Friday, February 22nd, consists of 19 practices open to the general public.
The Rattlers open camp with 37 players, 30 of whom are new to the team this season, and 17 of those are rookies. New Head Coach Kevin Guy will take the helm of the Rattlers this season. Joining him will be Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Skip Foster, recently of the National Conference Champion Columbus Destroyers; Special Teams Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach Tony Bowick, who spent last season with the American Conference Finalist Chicago Rush; and Kani Kauahi brings nine seasons of CFL experience to coaching the Rattlers Offensive Line.
"We've got a lot of new players," said Guy. "Right now, we're concentrating on getting better as a football team. We have a short time for us to gel together, and it's important to develop some chemistry."
The team will feature a pair of quarterbacks who are new to the Rattlers, but were both AFL starters last season in Lang Campbell and Jeff Smoker. Returning to the Rattlers this season at the wide receiver spot is WR Siaha Burley, last year's AFL Offensive Player of the Year. Burley set AFL all-time single season records with 166 receptions and 2,129 yards; while finishing 2nd in the AFL with 49 touchdown receptions. Burley joins Trandon Harvey, who led all AFL rookies in receiving touchdowns in 2007 with 30, en route to making the league's All-Rookie Team.
On the defensive side of the ball, All-Rookie team member Keyuo Craver is joined by Eastern Washington standout Isaiah Trufant, who led the Kansas City Brigade with 19 pass breakups last season. Returning to the team for his eighth season on the defensive line is Rattler legend Wendall Gaines, the team's all-time leader in sacks, forced fumbles, and blocked kicks
Kicker Jason Witczak, the Rattlers' lone full-time special teams player, returns to the team after two seasons with the Nashville Kats. Last season, Witczak completed 92% of his point-after attempts en route to a 115 point season.
In addition to the practices, media and fans will get an opportunity to watch the new-look Rattlers as they take the field on Tuesday, February 12th in a scrimmage against the Los Angeles Avengers at USAirways Center. Kickoff is slated for noon, and doors will open at 11am. The scrimmage will be free of charge.
WEEK ONE PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, February 6th 8:30am - 10:45am
Thursday, February 7th 8:30am - 10:45am 2:45pm - 5:00pm
Friday, February 8th 8:30am - 10:45am 2:45pm - 5:00pm
Saturday, February 9th 8:30am - 10:45am
Sunday, February 10th Players Off
Monday, February 11th 8:30am - 10:45am
Tuesday, February 12th Los Angeles Scrimmage @ USAirways Center (Noon)
CAMP PRACTICE INFORMATION
All practice sessions are open to the media and the public. Times are subject to change. In the event of inclement weather, practice locations may vary. Contact the Arizona Rattlers for up-to-date information. Players and coaches will be made available for interviews at the end of each practice session.
The 2008 Arizona Rattlers kickoff their 17th season in March, and have guaranteed their season ticket holders a trip to the playoffs. Season tickets, group tickets and premium single game tickets can be purchased by calling 602-379-2333. Single-game tickets go on sale on February 16th at the USAirways Center box office and all Ticketmaster locations. More information is also available at www.azrattlers.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 6, 2008
- Soul sign OL Steve Edwards - Philadelphia Soul
- Dragons Report To Training Camp - New York Dragons
- Roster Moves Plentiful Over First Days Of Camp - San Jose SaberCats
- Revamped Rattlers Reving Up For 2008 - Arizona Rattlers
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.
