Steve Papin Hired as Riptide Defensive Coordinator
December 16, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
San Diego Riptide News Release
SAN DIEGO â Steve "Superman" Papin was hired as the 2005 Defensive Coordinator for the San Diego Riptide. After spending seven years tearing up defenses as an offensive specialist in the Arena Football League, Papin will see what he can do as the mild mannered coach on the arena turf.
"This is a really good opportunity for me," said Papin. "I'm glad that the Riptide are willing to give me a chance to see what I can do as a coach."
Papin played for two teams during his AFL tenure, the New York Dragons and the San Jose Sabercats. Along with his duties as an offensive specialist, he was an explosive kick returner. He recorded 392 returns for 8,511 yards and 22 touchdowns, placing him among the top three return specialists. He led the league in all-purpose yards four out of his seven seasons in the league. He was MVP of the Sabercats four times, the League's "Don't Blink" Player of the Year twice, and was a Second Team All-AFL Offensive Specialist selection twice. It's no wonder that his nickname was "Superman". Although Papin is making the transition into coaching, he is not ready to put away his pads and helmet yet.
"That's the toughest part about this. I'm not ready to call it quits yet. I was in the situation where I'd either want to continue playing or take a chance at coaching. This opportunity came sooner, and I just had to take it. There's no better place to start than with the Riptide."
This won't be Papin's first time under the lights of the San Diego Sports Arena. He sported the Riptide blue and silver in 2003. He threw his first career touchdown pass, ironically, against the Wichita Stealth, Coach Ponder's former team.
With so many decorations as an offensive superstar, his insight will allow defensive backs the luxury of knowing all the routes and their weaknesses.
"(Papin) is a veteran and understands the game," said Coach Ponder. "He's been spending a lot of time in San Jose breaking down film. He knows every route and can break down all the coverages."
Papin will spend preseason working with San Jose Sabercats Assistant Coach, Michael Church, former Riptide Defensive Coordinator, Derek Dahlen, and the rest of the new Riptide coaching staff.
The Riptide will be hosting their first open tryout on Saturday, December 18 at 9:00am at the University of San Diego's Manchester Field. Players from all over the country will be showcasing their talent and skill, doing whatever it takes to make to get into Riptide Training Camp.
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