Shock Add Depth to Both Sides of the Ball
July 7, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
Spokane, WA: The Spokane Shock announced today that WR Randy Hymes and DL Mike Battisti have been added to the 2011 roster. In another roster move, Spokane placed DL Jonathan Williams on the Injured Reserve List and placed DL Eric Hedin on re-assignment.
An AFL veteran, Hymes, 6-3, 215, spent the 2010 season with the Bossier City BattleWings where he recorded 51 receptions for 811 yards with 18 touchdowns, including five against Spokane. Hymes spent the 2008 season in Cleveland recording three touchdowns on four receptions for 78 yards.
Prior to his AFL experience, Hymes spent significant time with the Baltimore Ravens after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2002. Over the course of four seasons with the Ravens (2002-2005), Hymes played in 37 games and collected 43 receptions for 578 yards with four touchdowns.
Hymes attended Grambling State where he played QB. During his career as a Tiger, Hymes passed for 4,413 yards with 33 touchdowns.
"Hymes' physical attributes are amazing. His ability to go up and get a football is unparalleled and we are excited to see him do it in a Spokane Shock uniform," Head Coach Rob Keefe explained. "His AFL and NFL experience will give our receiving corps an added boost of knowledge and leadership."
Battisti, 6-3 240, finished his collegiate career at Northern Arizona University in 2010. In his 22-game career as a Lumberjack, Battisti recorded 51 tackles - including 12 for loss - with six sacks and three forced fumbles. In his senior season, Battisti received All-Big Sky honors.
"We know that Battisti will be able to translate the success he found in college onto the professional level," Keefe said. "When you combine his physical attributes with his mental knowledge of the game, you have a player who can make a big impact in the AFL."
Although the lineup for this weekend's game has not been determined yet, Hymes and Battisti will be eligible to play. This Saturday Spokane hosts the Utah Blaze in the Joe Albi Stadium Summer Classic, the first regular-season outdoor Arena Football game. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by contacting TicketsWest.
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