SaberCats open training camp
January 5, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Jan. 5, 2006) - The two-time ArenaBowl champion San Jose SaberCats opened their 12th training camp today and the practice sessions took place on a new Sportexe field turf. The new turf, installed at the club's facility in the off-season, was a huge hit with both players and coaches.
"It feels pretty good," said FB/LB Kevin Buck, who knows first-hand the benefit of having a spongy-soft turf.
Buck sustained a serious knee injury during the 2004 season and spent nearly a full year rehabilitating following surgery. "We are used to running on concrete out here. It's still the first day so we will be able to tell a big difference about a week or two into camp when everybody's legs are tired."
Head athletic trainer Steve Bartlinski, now in his 12th season with the club, also sees the benefits of the new field.
"The turf is a God send," he said. "It has great give to it and the guys love it. It's going to help eliminate a lot of the over-use injuries and low back injuries that we receive playing on turf."
Over the past several seasons Bartlinski has had to deal with a several knee injuries attributed to playing on a synthetic turf. Along with Buck, Clevan Thomas and Omarr Smith each sustained major knee injuries. Although all injuries did not occur on the old turf at the team's practice site, they were sustained on turf fields similar to the one replaced.
"Realistically I anticipate a third of the injuries being eliminated because of this new turf," Bart said.
"I know the players are very happy," said new defensive coordinator Kevin Guy. "They felt a lot better running around out here and they said it made them feel excited to come out and practice."
DEFENSE LOOKS GOOD
Following four seasons as a head coach in arenafootball2, where he racked up the most wins in league history, new defensive coordinator Kevin Guy experienced his first day of training camp at the AFL level since 2001, when he was an assistant with the old Florida Bobcats.
"I thought we looked very good," he said. "We have some great athletes on the team and some new guys that will bring some athleticism."
Guy didn't single any players out, but added, "This is a good group of guys that are working hard. A lot of them stayed after practice to work on the little things to try and get better."
NO SHOWS
Of the 37 players on the team's current training camp roster, only OL/DL Sam Hernandez and WR/LB Adam Herzing were not present for the first day of camp.
CAMP SCHEDULE
All practice sessions are open to the media and public. Times are subject to change. In the event of inclement weather practice sites may vary. Players and coaches will be made available for interviews following the early practice session. Contact the SaberCats media relations department for up-to-date practice information (408) 573-5587.
Day, Date Early Session Late Session
Friday, January 6 9:00 am - 11:00 am 3:15 pm - 4:35 pm
Saturday, January 7 9:00 am - 11:00 am Off
Sunday, January 8 9:00 am - 11:00 am 3:15 pm - 4:35 pm
Monday, January 9 9:00 am - 11:00 am 3:15 pm - 4:35 pm
Tuesday, January 10 9:00 am - 11:00 am Off
Wednesday, January 11 Off Day
Thursday, January 12 9:00 am - 11:00 am 3:15 pm - 4:35 pm
Friday, January 13 9:00 am - 11:00 am 3:15 pm - 4:35 pm
Saturday, January 14 9:00 am - 11:00 am Off
Sunday, January 15 9:00 am - 11:00 am Off
Monday, January 16 9:00 am - 11:00 am (joint practice with Grand Rapids)
Tuesday, January 17 Scrimmage with Grand Rapids at HP Pavilion, 5:00 pm
(Closed to the public)
Wednesday, January 18 Off Day
Thursday, January 19 9:00 am - 11:00 am 3:15 pm - 4:35 pm
Friday, January 20 9:00 am - 11:00 am 3:15 pm - 4:35 pm
Saturday, January 21 Roster Cut Down Day
ROSTER BREAKDOWN (by position)
QUARTERBACK (2): Mark Grieb, Chris Lewis.
OFFENSIVE SPECIALIST (1): Atnaf Harris.
RECEIVER/DEFENSIVE BACK (3): Marquis Floyd, Charles Pauley, Rodney Wright.
RECEIVER/LINEBACKER (7): Yardon Brantley, Fred Coleman, Adam Herzing, Terrance Metcalf, Ben Nelson, James Roe, Kenny Solomon.
DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST (5): Rufus Brown, Terrance Joseph, Tremain Mack, Omarr Smith, Clevan Thomas.
FULLBACK/LINEBACKER (4): Kevin Buck, Phil Glover, Brian Johnson, Ja'Mar Toombs.
LINEMAN (14): Nikia Adderson, Karl Bates, Albrey Battle, Julius Gant, Alan Harper, Sam Hernandez, Joe Jacobs, Dan Loney, Chuck Reed, Gabe Reininger, Rex Richards, Jeff Ruffin, Terry Wagner, George Williams.
KICKER (1): Brian Schmitz.
TICKETS
Season and group tickets for the 2006 season are available by contacting a sales representative at (408) 573-5577. Individual game tickets ranging from $15 to $51 are on sale and can be purchased through any Northern California Ticketmaster outlet, online at ticketmaster.com or the HP Pavilion box office.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 5, 2006
- SaberCats open training camp - San Jose SaberCats
- Predators open training camp Friday - Orlando Predators
- Wranglers Host Fan Fiesta - Austin Wranglers
- AFL 2006 Schedule Update - AFL I
- Predators Add Some "Bam" To Their Roster - Orlando Predators
- Berkey Joins Rampage - Grand Rapids Rampage
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.
