Steamwheelers Open Camp, Prepare for Season Home Opener

March 19, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release


DAVENPORT, Iowa — For those who have played the game of the Arena Football, the first day of camp is not too difficult. For newcomers to the game, who are used to the outdoor game, things compact significantly and adjustments have to be made.

As the Quad City Steamwheelers opened camp on Thursday, head coach Rich Ingold and assistant coaches Ed Langford (defensive backs) and Jon Roehlk (linemen) spent most of the evening getting players used to the smaller confines of the indoor game.

Ingold was pleased with what he saw. "I thought it was excellent," Ingold said shortly following the four-hour workout. "The first day you can tell which guys have played Arena Football before.

"There's some new guys here and it is going to take them some time to get used to this game."

But after a few days of learning, Ingold feels that these players will do well after making the adjustments.

"It's the first time that they have been on an Arena Football field before," Ingold said. "I think that once they accumulate some reps and get used to the confines of the game that their talent will take over.

"Today some of the guys were a little indecisive because they don't know the game, but I think that will come with time."

The Steamwheelers continue camp today from 5-7 p.m. at MAXSports Complex (formerly Marycrest Events Center). On Saturday, they will then hit the road and travel to Iowa City, Iowa, for a three-hour session inside the University of Iowa Hawkeyes Practice Bubble. The session starts at 1 p.m.

The Steamwheelers will kick off their Fifth Anniversary Season on Saturday, April 3 at The MARK of the Quad Cities. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

About Arena Football League

Often recognized as one of the nation's most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League, the second-longest running football league in U.S. history, is in its 18th season. On the strength of its Mission Statement and Fans' Bill of Rights, the AFL is America's fastest growing sport. The Austin Wranglers join the Philadelphia Soul and New Orleans VooDoo as the three expansion teams added for the 2004 season. At least two more teams will be added in each of the next two seasons. A network-TV sport, the AFL is currently celebrating its second season on NBC in 2004.

The arenafootball2 league is in its Fifth Anniversary season and serves as the AFL's developmental league. The arenafootball2 (af2) league consists of 25 teams in medium-sized markets with the purpose of training players, coaches and officials for higher levels of football. Several former af2 coaches have joined AFL teams and more than 175 players have advanced to the AFL over the past three years.

Several players have moved on to the NFL from the af2 including the ‘Wheelers standout defensive rush end in 2003, Asa Francis, who last month signed with the Buffalo Bills to play in NFL Europe this spring.

The Steamwheelers are gearing up for their Fifth Anniversary season as one of the charter members of the league. Season tickets are currently on sale starting as low as $54. Fans interested in purchasing season tickets may contact Steamwheelers Director of Ticket Sales Brian Forth at 563-324-4888 or toll free at 1-866-STEAMTIX. For all the up to the minute Steamwheelers news, visit www.steamwheelers.com.



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