SaberCats sign four
January 11, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2005) â Receiver/linebacker SHALON BAKER, who has played six seasons with the SaberCats, was one of four players signed by the defending ArenaBowl champions today, announced General Manager Terry Malley.
Also signed to the team's training camp roster were linemen JASON ANDERSEN and KURT SIGLER and defensive specialist RON OCKIMEY.
Baker (5-7, 185), who began his AFL career in 1998, is San Jose's career leader in assisted tackles and ranks in the top 10 in nine other career statistical categories. He was named to the AFL's All-Rookie team following the 1998 season and earned All-Ironman Team recognition in 1999.
After missing the entire 2003 season with injuries, Baker was signed for the final four regular season games of 2004 and caught 19 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns while adding 11.0 tackles and an interception on defense.
A two-year standout at San Jose State University, Ockimey (6-2, 213) will compete for a defensive specialist spot.
A free agent signee of the San Francisco 49ers on April 25, 2001, Ockimey went on to play three years in the Canadian Football League with the B.C. Lions.
Andersen (6-6, 310) joins the SaberCats after spending the 2004 campaign with the Arizona Rattlers where he was used as a center. A three-sport star at San Jose's Piedmont Hills High School, Andersen was a 7th round draft pick of the New England Patriots in 1998 after a four-year career at Brigham Young University.
Sigler (6-5, 300) was a two-time All-Big Sky Conference selection at center while at Eastern Washington University. Signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2004, Sigler will be making his Arena Football League debut this season.
The SaberCats begin defense of their Arena Football League title at Tampa Bay on Sunday, January 30 and play their 11th home opener on Saturday, February 5 against the Las Vegas Gladiators at HP Pavilion.
Individual game tickets for the 2005 season can be purchased through any Northern California TicketMaster outlet, online at www.ticketmaster.com and at the HP Pavilion box office. Season and group tickets are available by contacting a sales representative at (408) 573-5577. More information is also available at http://www.sanjosesabercats.com.
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