Season Preview: Omaha Beef
Published on March 18, 2007 under United Indoor Football Association (UIF) News Release
The Rump Roasters, the Ball Babes and National Anthem singers are all in place for the UIF season in Omaha and what's old is new again as the Beef return to orange colored helmets and jerseys. General Manager, Dustin Talacko, says "The fans are really fired up about it because it reminds them of the heyday of the Beef."
Talacko broke into the Beef organization as a ball boy in his teens. He's been an equipment manager, an operations assistant, game day operations coordinator, has worked sales, spent last season as Assistant General Manager and is now the team's G.M. His pre-season has been busy with lots of promotions which have been well supported by the fans. But the fans want good football too. "What I think they're (the fans) most excited about is our push to get back to the real tradition of the Beef and that includes switching the helmets and jerseys back to orange," Talacko said.
As for on-the-field, Talacko says, "the football side has never been better." North Omaha native Rod Miller is the new Beef head coach. Miller held a national combine that attracted approximately 75 players from across the country. While the talent comes in from across the country, the Beef will still have its familiar local standouts. University of Nebraska-Omaha product and First Team All-UIF offensive lineman Dan Potsemil enters his eighth season with the Beef. Miller says Potmesil "has been a model of consistency throughout his years with the Beef and consistent play by the O-line is a must. Players like 'Pots' make my job easier." Former UNO standout Jamar Day returns for a second year at Omaha.
Last season's UIF Offensive Rookie of the Year, R.J. Rollins is also back for the Beef. "I expect even bigger things from R.J. this season. In just about any sport, especially this game, a player makes the most strides and gains from year one to year two. Now you add experience to his natural abilities and talent, he will be that much more of a force this season," states Miller. The new head coach says combining Day and Rollins, "gives us a dynamic one-two punch at running back and we will have a special package to get both players on the field at the same time."
Wide receiver Micah Arnold also returns to the Beef squad. Arnold possesses what the head coach says can't be taught-speed. "He can flat out fly," said Miller.
While there will be several newcomers to Omaha, they're not necessarily new to indoor football. Veteran offenseive/defensive lineman Reggie Poole, wide receiver/kick returner Lawrence Pullen and wide receiver Covell Crosby make their way to the UIF from other leagues.
Other notable signings for the Beef: Former Nebraska-Kearney standout defensively lineman Danny Ostransky is the type of player Miller says the Beef are looking for defensively; Defensive lineman Marques Salmond joins the Beef after playing with the defending United Bowl II champion Sioux Falls Storm last season; Wide receiver Dustin Creager comes to the Beef after playing overseas last season; Wide receiver Donva Louder was an NAIA All-American; Running back-receiver Allan Stokes from Sterling College looks to create mismatches with his versatility; Defensive back Brent Hafford signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints out of college; DB Donte Pettis had a standout career at Winona State University.
Audio preview: http://unitedindoorfootball.com.ismmedia.com/ISM2//MultimediaManager/1940.mp3
United Indoor Football Association Stories from March 18, 2007
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