Rush extends contracts of assistant coaches
January 27, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
With the 2005 season opener just days away, the Chicago Rush announced it has extended the contracts of its four assistant coaches. Walt Housman, Dave Witthun, Brian Schwartze and Ryan Leonard join head coach Mike Hohensee with contracts through the 2006 AFL season with a club option for 2007.
Consistency has been an essential part of our success over the past four years, said Rush senior vice president/general manager Mike Polisky. Our coaches work incredibly hard and have led us to the playoffs for four-consecutive seasons. They deserve the opportunity to continue what theyve built and will not be satisfied until we win the ArenaBowl.
Since Day 1 the Rush organization has done everything possible to create a winning atmosphere in Chicago, said Hohensee. I really believe we have the best coaching staff in Arena Football, and I am pleased the organization supports our staff and has taken steps to keep them here for many years to come.
Housman, the teams assistant head coach, defensive coordinator and line coach, is in his seventh year with Hohensee, having spent two years with him in New England before coming to Chicago in 2001. Housmans defense ranked second in the AFL in sacks (23), third in scoring defense (45.4 ppg) and fourth in total defense (254.9 ypg) last season. The offensive line was just as strong, only giving up five sacks during the year the third fewest in the AFL.
Witthun, the teams director of player personnel, special teams coordinator and fullbacks/linebackers coach, joined the staff in October 2001 after spending two seasons coaching in af2. Last season, the Rush tied for third in the AFL with five kickoffs returned for touchdowns. In addition the Rush special teams blocked nine kicks in 2004 seven extra-point attempts and two field goals.
Defensive backs coach Schwartze is in his second season with the Rush after spending the previous two seasons with the New Jersey/Las Vegas Gladiators. Leonard is beginning his first season as wide receivers coach after spending the 2004 season as the teams football operations intern.
The Rush opens the 2005 season this Sunday, January 30, at Dallas. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. The teams home opener kicks off at noon on Sunday, February 6, against Jon Bon Jovis Philadelphia Soul. Rush season tickets, beginning at just $64, currently are on sale. To reserve your tickets, or for more information about 2005 Rush season tickets, fans can call the Rush at (877) Rush-Tix (787-4849) or visit the teams Web site at www.chicagorush.com.
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