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Storm open training camp Sunday

February 9, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - The five-time world champion Tampa Bay Storm concluded their three-day mini-camp early this evening. The team will have Saturday off before resuming training camp Sunday morning. The Team will have two practices sessions on Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The last day of training camp is Friday, February 23, as teams must submit their 24-man roster to the League Office on Saturday, February 24. The Storm will host a scrimmage with Orlando Predators Friday, February 16 at 7 p.m. on Bill Currie Ford Field at the St. Pete Times Forum.

The coaching staff can't wait to put the pads on the players for the first time Sunday. "We are anxious to see them in pads," said Head Coach and General Manager Tim Marcum. "We want to see how physical they play. We lacked that last year, you have to play physical to win."

Practice sessions will be held on the Plaza at the St. Pete Times Forum weather permitting. In case of inclement weather the team may practice at Brandon Bronco Field at JC Handley Park located at 3104 Kings Avenue in Brandon. Please call 813.276.7300 or 727.481.7817 to confirm the location prior to your departure. Sessions are open to the media and public.

Mini-Camp - The Storm concluded today with a short second session. With 26 new faces in camp Coach Marcum's main goal was to get the playbook installed. "The guys did a real good job, camp was intense, we threw a lot at them," Marcum said. "A lot of the playbook stuck, they did a good job picking it up."

Quarterback John Kaleo looked sharp as Stoney Case and B.J. Symons took the lion share of the snaps. "John has thrown a lot and this is B.J.'s first Arena camp, we wanted to get him some work," said Marcum.

Both Jeroid Johnson and Lynarise Elpheage looked sharp as the battle in the defensive backfield heat up. They seem to have two of the three defensive back positions locked up as Bo Rogers, Clarence LeBlanc, P.J. Winston and Leroy Smith battle for the third slot. Khalid Naziruddin is in the mix as well as Marcum commented, "he is a fighter."

The most impressive group was the wide receivers and that was without the presence of Lawrence Samuels. "Bendross and Shaw looked sharp," said Marcum. "Hank Edwards has been a nice surprise, he looked good for a new face to Arena Football."

The Storm made one roster move at the end of mini-camp as the team waived defensive back Melvin Webber. Tampa Bay's roster now stands at 36 players as the Storm expects wide receiver/linebacker Lawrence Samuels to report at the beginning of next week.

Injury Report - The team escaped mini-camp relatively unscathed. Wide receiver Mickey Peters suffered a laceration today, wide receiver/defensive back P.J. Winston is battling a mild strain to his hamstring and defensive back Leroy Smith suffered a lower leg contusion in Thursday's afternoon session. They are not expected to miss any practice time.

Sideline Report - Extreme International Ice Racing returns to the St. Pete Times Forum on Sunday, February 11. This Pro Ice Racing Tour is becoming one of the most popular sporting events in the country, and is the first AMA-sanctioned indoor ice speedway series. Marcus Owen and Nyle Wiren will participate, as they race each other around the ice.

Leroy Smith, Karl "The Truth" Williams, Jeroid Johnson and T.T. Toliver will participate in the Sant' Yago Knight Parade this Saturday in Ybor City.

The 2007 Storm Season, presented by Champs Sports, Where Sport Lives, will open March 2 with the War on I-4 against the Orlando Predators on Bill Currie Ford Field at the St. Pete Times Forum. Former Storm quarterback Shane Stafford returns for his first game against the Storm. For tickets call 813.301.6780 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com.

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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.

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