SaberCats' Dan Frantz kicks off busy six-month run in 2004
Published on January 30, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
Not only is the 26-year-old preparing for his Arena Football League debut with the SaberCats, but he's also in the middle of planning his July wedding with fiancé, Shelby. After months of choosing dinner entrées, flower arrangements and music, the football season could be a welcome diversion for the Portland, Oregon native.
"Once I found out I was going to sign, we accelerated the process and took care of quite a few things as far as the place, the photographers and all that stuff," Frantz explained. "The little details, as far as the invitations and things, are taken care of back home. I'll fly home during the bye week and I'm sure my schedule will be very well booked, as far as places to be."
The place Frantz has been most often these days is in training camp â a welcome change for the SaberCats', whose previous kickers, Daron Alcorn and Carlos Huerta, stayed home during the week and flew in to join the team on game day. Being new to Arena Football, Frantz understands the importance of working with his teammates everyday.
"It's priceless," Frantz claimed. "To be here helps me because I can work on all these kicks that are specific to this league that I haven't worked on before. It also helps the team because as far as they're concerned, we're always there doing the kicks and they can get a real look at when they're supposed to get to the places they're supposed to be. It's priceless to be all together and work on those things day in and day out."
Despite being an AFL rookie, Frantz is no stranger to professional football after spending two training camps with the Washington Redskins, following a record-setting collegiate career at Portland State University. Coming from the outdoor game, Frantz is quickly adjusting to the AFL's emphasis on accuracy for a kicker.
"Well obviously the fact that the uprights are nine feet across instead of 18 feet across puts the challenge on accuracy versus strength," Frantz said. "A lot of guys have the strength, but who has the accuracy?"
Placing more focus on kicking the ball straight has led to Frantz re-dedicating himself to the fundamentals of kicking.
"Just paying attention to the little stuff. Working on the details, because the margin of error is no longer there," he said. "In the outdoor game, if you don't hit it right, you still have a good chance that it might go through. Here, it's either in or it's out â there's no gray area as far as letting your fundamentals slip."
While accuracy may be key, Frantz says leg strength definitely plays a role in arena football, leading to his primary goal for the 2004 season.
"Getting to the net on kickoffs is my number one thing," Frantz claimed. "With this offense, it's going to be PATs and kickoffs. I have to put that ball mid-net every single time at the very least. With field goals, hopefully the coaches will have enough confidence that if we do need it, then it will be there. My number one priority is kickoffs and getting the ball high off the net every time."
Frantz's priorities will change quickly once the season ends. With ArenaBowl XVIII scheduled for June 27th, Frantz doesn't seem too concerned with football season running close to his wedding day.
"Just tell me where to be, what colors to wear, call the best man and tell him where to go," Frantz said with a laugh. "They might have to pick me up at the airport on the way to the wedding â it'll be an adventure."
The SaberCats kickoff their 10th AFL season at Detroit on Thursday, February 5th. The home opener is set for Saturday, February 28th against the Grand Rapids Rampage at HP Pavilion. Single game tickets for all home games can be purchased at all Northern California TicketMaster outlets, on-line at www.ticketmaster.com, or in person at the HP Pavilion box office. For season or group ticket information call the SaberCats at (408) 573-5577 or visit the team's official website at www.sanjosesabercats.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 30, 2004
- Cobras Continue to Reduce Roster - Carolina Cobras
- Storm Training Camp News and Notes - Tampa Bay Storm
- Preds Send Davis To Detroit - Orlando Predators
- SaberCats' Dan Frantz kicks off busy six-month run in 2004 - San Jose SaberCats
- Georgia Force to honor UGA legends at home opener - Georgia Force
- Firebirds announce radio tandem for 2004 - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- About 100 women attend Second Annual Arena Football 101 - Grand Rapids Rampage
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