Shock Sign First Two Players
October 31, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Spokane Shock News Release
SPOKANE, WA (October 31, 2005) - The Spokane Shock announced today that they have signed their first two players in franchise history. Joining the Shock for the inaugural 2006 season will be two former area collegiate standouts.
Washington State University Cougar standout Billy Newman will suit up for Spokane when the Shock play their first game in April. Newman, who finished his Cougar career with 325 tackles and nine interceptions in four seasons, will join the Shock as a defensive back. A product of Santa Margarita High in Laguna Niguel, California; was a team captain and honorable mention All-Pac-10 during the 2001 season at WSU. A three-year starter and four-year letter winner for the Cougars, Newman signed a free-agent contract to play for the Tennessee Titans of the NFL following the 2001 season. Newman is currently coaching football at Spokane's North Central High School.
Joining Newman on the Shock roster is former University of Idaho receiver Orlando Winston. During three seasons with the Vandals, Winston played in 34 games and caught 122 passes, 11th most in Vandal history. Winston finished his Idaho career with 1,632 yards receiving and eight touchdowns for the gold and black. During his senior season of 2003, Winston hauled in 55 passes for 807 yards and found the endzone seven times.
"We are thrilled to have signed our first two players, and couldn't be happier to have some local talent on our squad," said Shock General Manager Brady Gardner. "Fans in the Spokane area should be thrilled to have Billy and Orlando playing in this area once again."
The Shock will be entering the arena football ranks in April of 2006. Eight home games will be played at the Spokane Arena. The Shock will continue to sign players and announce roster transactions over the next few weeks.
About the Spokane Shock
The Spokane Shock is part of the arenafootball2 league's Western Division. Division competition includes four California teams, and Everett, WA. Their mission and rules of play follow that of the Arena Football League. The Shock wear navy blue, orange and yellow while competing in a 16-game season, including 8 home games in the Spokane Arena. Tickets range from $6-$50. For more information about the Spokane Shock, visit the team's Web site at www.spokaneshock.com, or the league's Web site at www.af2.com.
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