Sports stats



af2 arenafootball2

Steve Panella Named Gridiron Enterprises International Player Of The Year

August 15, 2007 - arenafootball2 (af2) News Release


CHICAGO - Amarillo Dusters' QB STEVE PANELLA has been named the 2007 Gridiron Enterprises International Player of the Year, as selected by a vote of arenafootball2 head coaches and media members.

Panella, a native of Brampton, Canada, lined up under center for all 16 games for the Dusters this season. He completed 315-of-593 passes for 3,530 yards and 58 touchdowns through the air. Panella's 593 passing attempts and 670 total offensive plays led the af2 in 2007. On the ground, he led the league in rushing touchdowns with 22 and finished fifth in rushing yards with 268. Additionally, Panella's 3,798 yards of total offense was the ninth-best total in the league this season. The former Saint Mary's Husky was one of 28 International players on af2 rosters in 2007.

Panella becomes the fourth recipient of the af2 International Player of the Year Award, joining past winners Atnas Maeko (Stockton - 2006) originally from Mozambique, Henriik Juul-Nielsen (Green Bay - 2005), representing Denmark, and Takuya Furutani (Louisville - 2004) of Japan.

The 2007 ArenaCup playoffs continue this weekend with the American and National Conference Championship games this Saturday, August 18. In the American Conference Championship, the Green Bay Blizzard will travel to take on the East Division Champion Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers at 7:00 EST. The National Conference Championship will feature the Central Division Champion Tulsa Talons playing host to the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings at 8:00 EST. The winner of each Conference Championship will meet at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City, La. on Saturday, August 25 for ArenaCup8.

For a limited time, purchase four (4) Sideline ArenaCup Tickets and get two (2) FREE Roundtrip Airline Tickets to any one of over 30 fantastic getaway destinations!

The traveler is entitled to two complimentary roundtrip airline tickets when staying at one of the participating hotels or resorts for a minimum number of nights and paying standard hotel rates. Air, hotel and resort reservations must be made through Fly Free America. For complete information call 888-277-5526 or visit www.flyfreeamerica.com/arenacup. Certain restrictions apply.

About Gridiron Enterprises

Gridiron Enterprises is the founding member of the Arena Football League. On March 27, 1990, Jim Foster was issued a United States patent for a football game system and method of play. That patent forms the basis for the unique football game played by teams in the Arena Football League and the af2. The af2 was conceived by Gridiron and proposed to the Arena Football League as an effective means to expand and market the excitement of the football/entertainment product. Gridiron has also been instrumental in the international development efforts of the sport of Arena Football. Working in conjunction with the AFL, Gridiron has helped put on 21 international exhibitions worldwide. In addition to its football enterprises, Gridiron provides sports entertainment and consulting services.

Remaining 2007 af2 Award Announcements:

Russell Athletic Lineman of the Year - Thursday, Aug. 16

Spalding Rookie of the Year - Friday, Aug. 17

SFC Asst. Coach & Sportexe Head Coach of the Year - Saturday, Aug. 18

Cutters Playmaker of the Year - Sunday, Aug. 19

ADT Defensive Player of the Year - Monday, Aug. 20

Schutt Offensive Player of the Year - Tuesday, Aug. 21

U.S. Army Strong Ironman of the Year - Wednesday, Aug. 22

• Discuss this story on the arenafootball2 message board...

arenafootball2 Stories from August 15, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central