Riptide Activate Suzuki, Assigned Stephens
July 1, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
San Diego Riptide News Release
SAN DIEGO â The San Diego Riptide was assigned OL/DL Keith Stephens and activated FB/LB Takamasa Suzuki from their international training squad today. Deondre Alexander was placed on the short term injured reserve.
Suzuki played only one week on the âTides international squad before getting a call to play in this Saturday's game. It's ironic that his first game with the Riptide is against the Islanders. Suzuki spent some time on Hawaii's international roster before being activated by the Riptide. He's the first international player to be activated by San Diego.
Over the past two years, Arena Football training camps have been held in Australia, the Pacific Rim (held in Hawaii), Europe and Japan, creating an interest for the game overseas and exposing the af2 to an untapped reserve of talented football players. In 2004, arenafootball2 conducted its second annual international player draft, resulting in the assignment of 14 Japanese players to the af2 rosters.
"Since he got here, he's been very aggressive," said Coach Davis. "He's been able to understand the game well and the language barrier hasn't been much of a problem."
Stephens sits at the OL/DL position and graduated from Morehouse College. Throughout the season, the Riptide has made several changes to their line. With the assignment of Stephens, San Diego looks to strengthen a line that allowed no sacks in the last two games and forced three sacks in the past three games.
Alexander was placed on the short term injured reserve. He was assigned to the Riptide in Week 12.
The Riptide takes on the Hawaiian Islanders this week hoping to close out the series with a win. The Riptide's only loss to Hawaii this season came at home in Week 6 when Darnell Arceneaux ran the ball in to convert on a two point conversion in overtime.
San Diego will be taking on the Hawaiian Islanders at the Sports Arena on July 3rd. Riptide visors will be given to the first 3,000 fans, courtesy of R.I.S.E. Chiropractic. Tickets are available by stopping by the sports arena box office or visiting Ticketmaster online.
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