Storm open training camp Wednesday
January 4, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release
TAMPA, Fla. -- The five-time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm begin their quest for a sixth ArenaBowl title on Wednesday, January 5, when the team opens its 2005 training camp at the St. Pete Times Forum.
The Storm return nearly everyone from last year's playoff squad. In all, the Storm's 37-man training camp roster includes 20 players from last year's team, including All-Ironman selection TT Toliver and All-Arena members Nyle Wiren and Lawrence Samuels.
The Storm have also added 14 free agents and three Dispersal Draft picks who hope to make an impression on the Storm coaching staff. Only one â OL/DL Ricky Hall â has any appreciable AFL experience. Hall spent his previous six AFL seasons with the Albany/Indiana Firebirds and was Indiana's leading tackler among linemen last season.
One of the main off-season focuses for the Storm was to add quality linemen. Along with Hall, the Storm also signed former Florida Gator and NFL draft pick Clint Mitchell and former New York Giants center Omar Smith.
Tampa Bay also acquired the rights to Mike Sutton, who led the Indiana Firebirds in sacks last season, in the 2004 Dispersal Draft. In addition to Sutton, the Storm drafted Indiana FB/LBs Jarrod Penright and Jeff Cogell.
The most hotly contested spot during training camp may be the wide receiver/defensive back position. All-Ironman team member TT Toliver returns, as does AFL veteran Clif Dell. Newcomers who will be looking to supplant one of those guys include former Largo High School and University of Central Florida star Omar Laurence, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Lynaris Elpheage, and Lawrence Richardson, one of the top cornerbacks in the Southeastern Conference a year ago.
The Storm open camp with three days of two-a-day practice sessions on Wednesday, January 5 â Friday, January 7. After taking Saturday and Sunday off, the Storm resume two-a-day practices on Monday, January 10.
The morning sessions of Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday's workouts will be held on the Storm practice field on the Plaza of the St. Pete Times Forum. The afternoon sessions of those workouts will all be held at Skyway Park in Tampa.
The Storm open the 2005 season on Saturday, January 29, when they host the defending ArenaBowl champion San Jose SaberCats at 7:30 p.m. in the St. Pete Times Forum. Tickets for the 2005 season are on sale now at the St. Pete Times Forum Box Office or any TicketMaster location. Tickets may also be purchased by calling (813) 301-6600 or online at www.tampabaystorm.com.
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