Start of Camp Today
Published on February 11, 2011 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Amarillo Venom News Release
Amarillo, TX 2/11/11 - The wait is over as the Amarillo Venom begin training camp this afternoon at the Amarillo Civic Center.
"Anticipation is high," said Rodney Blackshear, Head Coach of the Venom. "We have a great group of guys that are excited about being here and we are just ready to get started."
The Venom welcome back nearly 10 people from last year's playoff team, but there are several new faces in camp, like Ryan O'Bryant and Lavonte Jackson.
O'Bryant walked on to Texas A&M after a lack of scholarship offers coming out of high school. O'Bryant said through hard work and perseverance, he was able to earn a scholarship after two years and was later named a team captain and won the Aggie Heart Award. O'Bryant said he's ready for the start of camp.
"I'm ready to hit somebody and to build a championship team," said O'Bryant. "I'm real excited."
Jackson's road to the Venom has been a little different. Jackson went to Junior College out of high school and later transferred to the University of Alabama. Jackson is hoping the Venom can help him reach the next level.
"You have to be self-motivated," said Jackson. "Come in here and work everyday and try to reach that one goal."
Jackson is just the type of player for which Coach Blackshear is looking. A player that is trying to reach the next level and a player that is trying to win a championship. Coach Blackshear said he likes all the players he has in camp, but he's ready to see how some make the transition into arena football.
"I'm ready to see which guys that haven't played this game are cut out to be arena football players," said Coach Blackshear. "You look at them on paper and they look great, but we will see when we actually put on the pads."
The players will have a little over a week of preparation before their February 20th exhibition game against the Allen Wranglers. At the exhibition game, fans with a V.I.P pass will have the opportunity to meet two former Dallas Cowboys, Everson Walls and Drew Pearson. For more information on how to obtain your V.I.P. pass call the Venom offices at (806) 350-7277.
Tickets for the February 20th exhibition game are on sale through the Amarillo Venom front office, located at 901 S. Buchanan in downtown Amarillo, and single game tickets for the regular season go on sale February 18th. Tickets can also be purchased at www.panhandletickets.com or any United Supermarket location.
Indoor Football League Stories from February 11, 2011
- Roughnecks "Black & Blue Game" Saturday - West Texas Roughnecks
- Colorado Ice Get the Season Started - Colorado Crush
- Start of Camp Today - Amarillo Venom
- Single Game Tickets on Sale Today - Green Bay Blizzard
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